Maureen Katherine Hughes

Maureen Katherine Hughes of Erie, 89, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, following a brief illness. She was born on October 25, 1936, to Charles and Bea O'Shaughnessy. Her parents arrived separately from Ireland in the early 20th century, so her heritage was a focal point throughout her life.

After attending Villa Maria Academy, she graduated from Villa Maria College in 1958. In the summer of 1959, she married Jerry Hughes. When the Army assigned him to Elmendorf Air Force base in Anchorage, Alaska, she gave birth to their first child, Kevin Hughes.

When they moved back to Erie, she accepted a job in the English department at her alma mater, Villa Maria Academy. Over the next 35 years, she taught English to multiple generations of girls with a velvet force that still impacts those individuals today.

Personally, Maureen was a brilliant wordsmith who seemed to know just about everything. She would watch Jeopardy! daily, answering nearly every question. Her children's friends would often call her to answer whatever was puzzling them. She was an intellectual treasure who is and will be tremendously missed.

She was also known for her beautiful voice, as she served as a cantor at St. Jude's Church for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jerry Hughes, as well as her beloved grandson, Owen Hughes.

She is survived by her four children: Kevin (Francy) of Cincinnati, OH, Katy Hines (Greg) of Erie, Kerry Hughes of Pittsburgh/Erie, and Chris Hughes of Erie. She also leaves seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She will be marveled upon by all.

Friends are invited to celebrate her life on Thursday August 13, 2026 from 3-7pm at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services Inc., West Ridge, 3801 W.26th St. We will bid adieu at a Funeral Mass in St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church,2801 W.6th St., on Friday August 14,2026 at 1:00 p.m.

She was the brightest, funniest person that any of us has ever known, and we are well aware that she impacted thousands of others the same way. During a long, meaningful life, she truly was a one-of-a-kind genius.

In lieu of flowers. donations may be made to the ANNA Shelter or the St. Paul's Free Clinic.

Send condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com