Northborough – Barbara J. (Meehan) Hughes, 78, of Northborough’s Beaumont Community and formerly of Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 9, 2023 with her loving family by her side, after a long and valiant battle with Alzheimer’s. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William D. “Bill” Hughes, in 2017.
Barbara leaves her devoted children: Erin H. Canzano and husband Dana, of Shrewsbury, William D. Hughes, Jr. and wife Kerin, of Charlotte, NC, and Patrick M. Hughes, of Ardmore, PA; her grandchildren: Annie, James, Mary, Nathan, and Emily; her siblings: Daniel Meehan and wife Janice, of Raymond, NH, Lori Delmore, of Mississippi, and David Meehan and wife Barbara, of Tampa, FL; along with many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her sister, Patricia “Patty” Meehan, in 2013; and their parents, Joseph and Marie (Hanley) Meehan.
Barbara was born, raised, and educated in Bridgeport, CT, and received her nursing certificate from Saint Vincent’s Medical Center Nursing Program in Bridgeport. She established her career at Saint Vincent’s, where she loved being a nurse and caregiver to her patients, retiring after almost 40 years of dedication.
Barbara was a talented quilter, and loved making and gifting them to her friends and family. She loved board games, especially Bananagram and Scrabble, and enjoyed hiking and staying active. Barbara was also talented in the kitchen, and was famous for her Irish soda bread. She was so proud of her Irish heritage, and she and Bill belonged to the Gaelic-American Club in Fairfield, CT for many years. Above all, her grandchildren were her world – she cherished her time spent with them.
Barbara’s family would like to show their appreciation to the loving staff of the Northborough Beaumont and Whitney Place facilities, for their compassionate care during this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shrewsbury Public Library Memory Café (checks are payable to Library Memorial Gift Account, 609 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Hughes family from 9:30 to 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury, MA, followed by her funeral Mass, which will be celebrated at 11 AM at Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Wearing black is optional, as Barbara’s favorite colors were green and blue, but any color will be welcome. Burial will be held in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.
