Nancy Hughes' Obituary
Nancy Hughes, 55, of Mt. Zion, passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2014, in her home surrounded by her loving family.
Nancy was born Nancy Marie Harry on November 12, 1958 in Vancouver, WA, the daughter of Elmer and Lois (Campbell) Harry. She worked many years as a public school speech therapist in Washington, Oregon, Indiana, Rhode Island, and most recently in Decatur at Johns Hill Magnet School and French Academy. Nancy married Jeff Hughes on June 18, 1983 in Beaverton, OR, and they shared 31 wonderful years together. Nancy was all about people: she enjoyed character-centered T.V. shows and movies (favorites: dramas, comedies, and HGTV), long conversations over cups of coffee, working as part of the Johns Hill Magnet School family, and especially being at the center of gatherings of family and long-time friends. She lightened the room with her charismatic personality, bright eyes, and wide and honest smile, and she made everyone feel special in her company. Her laugh was loud and infectious; fun was never far from her, and her uplifting spirit will be missed by many.
Surviving are her husband Jeffrey Hughes of Mt. Zion, IL; son Michael Hughes of Urbana, IL; daughter Rebecca Marcum of State College, PA; parents Elmer and Lois Harry of Battle Ground, WA; brothers David Harry of Philomath, OR and Steve Harry of Colville, WA; sisters Kathy Harry of Battle Ground, WA, Susan Harry of Castle Rock, WA, and Lee Ann Jonas of Bartow, FL; and 7 nieces and 13 nephews for whom she was a devoted aunt.
The family especially thanks the Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois and most notably the wonderful nurses in the infusion center, and also Decatur Memorial Hospital and the DMH Hospice program for Nancy’s exemplary care.
Honoring Nancy’s wishes, cremation will take place at Graceland/Fairlawn Crematory and she will be interred at Skyline Memorial Gardens, Portland, OR. Memorial services are scheduled for Decatur on August 16 at 2:00pm in Pilling Chapel at Millikin University, and for Battle Ground, WA on August 10 at 2:00pm at the Center Point Conference Center. In lieu of flowers, her family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society and/or to the Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois Charitable Fund in Nancy’s name.
View the on line obituary and send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
The family of Nancy Hughes is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. View the on line obituary and send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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