Mary Hughson
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Mary H. Hughson, 85
Mary Hardy Hughson was born on July 2, 1923 in the north coastal town of South Shields, England. She was one of three children born to John and Mary Thompson. She grew up in South Shields and graduated from her schooling there and stayed there until World War II came along. During this time Mary enlisted in the Air Raid Warden Squadron which brought her to a dance in Birmingham, England where she met her future husband, and American GI, Arthur Hughson. They were married in England and had their first of two sons before moving to the Austin in 1946.
Mary was very active in volunteer work during her life working with organizations such as the Civil Defense in the 1950’s, the YMCA, creating a day camp for disabled children, garden clubs, and auxiliary work with both the Legion and the VFW. In addition to these activities was the central interest of her life, which was her membership and participation in many activities with the First United Methodist Church. Mary was involved in many fellowship groups and most recently headed up activities with The Caring Ministries which provided communion and other church interests to seniors, most of whom were in nursing homes.
During her life, Mary gave freely of her time and energy and touched many people’s lives. Mary was also an avid knitter, and many local residents have benefitted from her craft.
She is survived by her two sons, Terrance (Diane) and Dean, both of Denver, Colo.; granddaughter, Jennifer and grandson, Gregory. She also has 5 great-grandchildren.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Art, and her brother and sister.
Visitation will be on Thursday, Aug. 7, from 4 -7 p.m., at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary. The funeral will be held at the First United Methodist Church, with the Reverend Patricia M. Toschak officiating on Friday, Aug. 7 at 1:30 p.m., with a reception to follow in the church basement. The family requests that Memorials be sent to either The Caring Ministry of First United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.