"Hughes Family, Our family would like to pass along our prayers and warm thoughts. Aunt Catherine was a very special and joyous person that will be missed. Her love of her family was evident to all. Love Thoughts and Prayers Matthew, Marie and Marcus Phillips (Marie daughter of Martin Maher) "
In loving memory of
Catherine M. Hughes
January 1, 2009
Catherine Margaret Hughes daughter of Jerry F. and Nellie McGarry Maher, was born on July 30, 1913 in rural Imogene, Iowa and passed away on January 1, 2010 at Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Growing up on a farm in Mills County, she attended school at Union Grove School and St. Patrick's in Imogene, Iowa, where she graduated in 1932. She stayed at home with her father and brothers after the death of her mother.
January 22, 1941 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene, Iowa she was united in marriage to Francis Hughes. To this union eleven children were born: Mary Rose , Jerry, John, Jim, Mike, Theresa, Bernie, Ruth, Raymond, Rita and Steve. Catherine was active in the Altar Society after the children were raised. She also was active in St. Mary's Guild after moving to Shenandoah in 1981.
Preceding her in death were her mother, father, four brothers, Pat, Frank, Donald and Jerome; her husband, Francis; son Jerry; granddaughter Margi Spencer; and great granddaughter Taylor Ann Gillett. Survivors include, Mary Rose and Phil Gillett, Jan Hughes all of Council Bluffs, Iowa, John and Beth Hughes of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jim and Monica Hughes of Glenwood, Iowa, Mike and Jodi Hughes of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Theresa and Denny Kemp of Nicholasville, Kentucky, Bernie Hughes of Randolph, Iowa, Ruth and Ed Spencer of Bee Bee Town, Iowa, Raymond and Lynette Hughes of Omaha, Nebraska, Rita and Paul Whannell of Glenwood, Iowa and Steve Hughes of Glenwood, Iowa; 42 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Wilma Maher of Shenandoah, Iowa; along with several nieces, nephews and many good friends.
Tributes
"Dear Hughes Family, How lucky you were to have such a lovely lady so long in your life. She blessed and touched many peoples lives. May she rest in peace. God be with all of you and your families. John and Leia Johnsen & Family Logan, Iowa (Hannah's Mother in Law) "
"Warren @i wish to send our condolences to the Hughes family according to Bj her grandson she was a very special grandma May God help you through your time of sorrow With Deepest sympathy the Rolofson familys"
"I am so sorry to hear about Catherine. I've told her many of times, how she reminded me of my Mother. Catherine was a genuine person of faith, and showed her love every day. Catherine will be missed by all of us, we've lost a great lady. My sincere sympathy to all the family. Carolyn Harmon "
"Jim & Monica Mike & Jodi: Sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. What a wonderful life she must have lived. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your families. Angie"
"It was a privilege to know Catherine, even if it was years ago. Today's service will definitely be a "celebration of her life". She knew how many people loved and respected her-everyone was so happy to see her at Jude's funeral. And I'm sure she was equally proud of all you kids-you all turned pretty darn good !! Take care, all of you. Sincerely, Linda "
"I was very sad to hear that my very good friend had left us. I had just baked her sugar cookies and had mailed them last week. She will be missed by all of us. Her family is in our prayers. Theresa "Laughlin" Christensen and daughter, JoAnn Murrell of Richardson, TX"
"Sorry to hear of Catherine's passing. Our thoughts and Prayers are will all the family."
"How fitting that your Mother was taken to Heaven by Jesus on the holy day feast of his dear Mother; and that today, the feast of the Epiphany, you are surrounded by family and friends during visitation. My Mass today was offered for Catherine's entire family, and tears of joy fell during the singing of Noel for Catherine who is with her savior today. I felt that I was in the presence of an angel when I spoke with Catherine at Jude's funeral. She recognized me right away, "well, you're Connie." To a life well lived in service to her family, her community, her church and her God. Sincerely, Connie"
"Jim & Monica & family, Mike & Jodi & family Sorry for the loss of your mother. Your families are in my prayers. Love, Sandi & Bob Larson"
"I want to extend my sympathy to you on the death of your mother, Catherine. My your family find comfort and peace through sharing remembrances of your mother with family and friends. May God bless you."
"I will always remember Catherine as a wonderful and kind woman with such a sparkle in her eye. I always enjoyed seeing her and talking with her and particularly laughing with her. A gorgeous woman inside and out."
"We never had the opportunity to meet Mrs Hughes but I feel like I know her because we got to know her through Tammy's eyes and learned that she was a very loving mother and Grandmother who never forgot anything especially birthdays and gave of herself very unselfishly. Just before Tammy and Caseys Shower I recieved a very special letter from Mrs Hughes thanking me for helping with the shower and asking me to share with Tammy how much she wished she could have been able to be at the shower and how happy she was for Tammy and Casey. We read the letter at the shower which I know was priceless for Tammy and somehow I believe she was there that day . Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ronnie and Brenda Corey"
"Hughes Family, I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Aunt Catherine. I extend my deepest sympathy to the entire family. She was such a sweet, caring, and all around wonderful woman! Her sparkling personality will be greatly missed! I am wishing you all moments of comfort and peace during this difficult time. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless your family during this time and always, Julie Maher "
"We are so sorry for your loss, your family is in our prayers. Love, The Day Family"
"Dear Hughes Families, Bless her Heart, Catherine has seen a lot of things, and a lot of things Change, during her time here on Earth. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you All During this Sad time. Even though people get older, it is still hard to lose them. Bob and Robin (Anderson) Lynn, Crane, Casa, Chealsee and Clair"
"Sending my deepest sympathy to the whole family, sorry I couldnt be there, but know that I am thinking of you. Catherine was a wonderful person who I'll cherish always. God bless and may she now rest in peace. I am praying for all."
"To all of caherine's family: I wanted to say it was privilege and a honor to take care of your mother and grandmother. Your life is always better sometimes by the people we meet. Your mother was certainly one of yours. I will miss her very much. I looked forward to helping her. She was so kind and thoughtful. She was an awesome lady who knew what she wanted and how. I have so much respect for her. God bless all of you when i am around you all i see how special she was and what a wonderful mother she has been you are are all wonderful thoughtful people. She has left a mark on all of our lives. God bless you and my prayers are with you all. God has taken our wonderful mother grandmother and very special friend home. Plese let me know if i can help in any way. with my love and blessing Deb"
"I am so very sorry for your loss! She was a great lady and will be missed. "