Marie Julie Hughes

Marie Julie Hughes, age 90, passed away peacefully at home with family by her side. Daughter of the late Michael and Margaret (Tronson) McCabe of South Boston and devoted wife of Elroy “RED” Hughes who predeceased her in 2006. Loving mother of William J. and his wife Renee of West Roxbury, and Stephen J. and his wife Michelle of Hingham. Devoted grandmother of Michael and his wife Brittany, Matthew, Stephen, Caroline, Michaela, and Maggie. In addition to her grandchildren who gave her great joy, she leaves behind many nieces and nephews who viewed her as a second mother. She was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters; Marguerite McCabe, Michael McCabe, Bill “Maca” McCabe, Paul McCabe, and Eleanor Coggeshall.

After graduating from St Augustine’s High School in South Boston, Marie went directly to work for Boston Edison because of the sudden death of her father. Later in life she fulfilled her goal of attending the University of Massachusetts – Boston, earning a degree in Sociology while working to improve the lives of children in need at The Massachusetts Advocacy Group.

Marie’s compassion was boundless, not just for her family but everyone she knew. She cared at home for her mother who passed away from Parkinson’s disease and then some years later for her husband who had suffered a debilitating stroke. In her spare time, she, along with her sister Marguerite loved to go shopping on the Cape and cherished their trips to her beloved Ireland. Marie was a gifted cook, making every meal a special occasion. Her apple pies were always the highlight of the holidays. She also loved listening to her Irish music and looking out of her kitchen window to the ocean – especially during a storm.

The family wishes to acknowledge the special friendship of Diane Tribuna, who loved and supported Marie over the years. A special thanks to Dr. Ross Reel of Harvard Vanguard, who cared for both Marie and her late husband Red and had a deep admiration for her tenacity and determination to overcome all obstacles.

Funeral Services will be private with only family attending. Please – no flowers. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Please consider giving in Marie’s memory to the charity of your choice.