Obituary of Lois Evelyn McHugh
The family of Lois Evelyn McHugh wish to announce her passing which occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital on January 23, 2021 at the age of 96. Our hearts are heavy but full of gratitude for a life well lived.
Lois was born to Margaret (Purtill) and Thomas Ryan on October 7, 1924 in Plumweseep, NB. She was the last surviving sibling of the Ryan family. She held her siblings and their families close to her heart. She is also pre-deceased by her loving husband, Ronald T. McHugh with whom she shared 54 years of marriage.
Lois graduated from Sussex High School at the age of 16 and later moved to Saint John where she met her husband while skating at the Saint John Forum. She and Ron raised eight children and created a family tree that surrounded them with love, respect and adventure.
She leaves behind a large family who adored her. As a mother of a busy home, she was the ultimate multi-tasker and had a special relationship with each of her children. She intuitively knew how to connect with her children and gave them her undivided attention. She raised them with patience, attentiveness, and love. Her children; Judy Riley (Paul), Rose Leger (Roger), Thomas McHugh (Cathy), James McHugh (Gloria), Hugh McHugh, Mary Jane Foster (David), Karen Roberts (Don), and Peter McHugh (Debbie) value the influence their mother made on their childhood and adult lives.
She was always aware of the needs of others and she humbly gave what she could, whether making baked goods for a neighbour, offering a drive or keeping someone in her prayers. She knew the community and as her children grew up, their friends became like family. Even recently, she could make a connection and keep track of those she knew from years ago. She will be remembered as the neighbourhood mom who would bring hotdogs and juice to the baseball field and it was not uncommon to see a line up at her door once the smell of her homemade donuts drifted from her kitchen.
She lived her Catholic faith daily by quiet example. She was genuine, honest and true. She was a life-long parishioner of St. Pius X Catholic Church, and a member of the CWL. She relied on her strong faith by attending daily mass and regular Novenas and she was quick to add someone to her lengthy prayer list.
Lois was active in her community and had a keen sense of fun and adventure. She enjoyed playing cards, swimming, golfing, bowling, watching baseball or hockey and made many friends along the way. She was a member of Rockwood Golf Course taking lessons at the age of 60! The family wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to her friend, Sharon Sparks, who made sure Lois didn’t miss a card party in recent years. Lois was competitive and was thrilled to jingle the change in her pocket after winning a few dollars playing cards. She was always up for a trip. She and her husband took many trips in their retirement years and later with her children. She travelled to Holland in 1995 to commemorate Holland’s liberation and acknowledge her husband’s military contribution to World War 2. She also enjoyed Myrtle Beach with her family until she was 90.
Each of her 25 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren felt treasured. She made each one feel like they were her favourite. She had a special bond with each and every one. There are strong memories of tying skates, skating lessons, sitting in cold rinks, cheering at baseball games, thoughtful cards, attending weddings and birthday parties, enjoying a bowl of ice cream together and holding her great grandchildren for the first time. She enjoyed being in the middle of the commotion during a family party. Her quiet presence filled the room. She smiled while watching her family enjoy each other. Her famous sugar donuts, french fries, raisin brown bread, homemade rolls and fruit cake will go down in history. We look forward to passing on her recipes and sharing her legacy for years to come.
The family wish to thank Dr. Bridget Tutschka and her colleagues, the staff of 5CN and the Palliative Care unit. Your care and compassion, especially during the challenging Covid times, were appreciated.
We lost a little piece of ourselves with the passing of Grama Lois. She will live on in each of us. Her family will continue to support one another and live out her legacy of kindness, love of family, being adventurous, brave and faithful. We will celebrate her long and full life. At this time, there will be no visitation due to Public Health Guidelines. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). A Mass of Christian Burial, internment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery and a celebration of her life will occur at a later date when family and friends can be together. In lieu of flowers, and in the spirit of Lois’ kind-hearted nature, please consider reaching out to someone in need or offering a gesture of acceptance. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com
