Jane Mayo Hughes

Jane Mayo Hughes, 94, of Rockford, IL, beloved mother of nine, passed away peacefully with loved ones at her side on Feb. 27, 2014 in Phoenix, AZ where she was enjoying the warm temperatures and sunshine.

Born in Cheboygan, MI Aug. 6, 1919 and raised in Orono, ME and Potsdam, NY, Jane was the youngest of six children born to George E. and Jane (Arnold) Mayo. Her parents, sisters, and brother all predeceased her.

She was a 1940 graduate of Potsdam Normal School, where she received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. After graduation, she single-handedly staffed a one-room schoolhouse in rural French Hill, NY. Due to manpower shortages during WWII, in addition to her teaching duties, Jane split logs with an ax and started and maintained the wood stoves used to heat the building and pumped and carried water to the classroom. She also maintained the chemical toilets.

On Oct. 7, 1944, she married Charles W. Hughes, recently returned from the China-Burma theater. She accompanied him on his military assignments until his retirement the following year. Over their 68-year marriage, Jane and Charlie lived in Watertown, NY, University Heights, Ohio, and finally settled in Rockford, IL in 1972. They parented nine children, all of whom survive her: Suzanne Rydel, Falls Church, VA, Constance H.(Frank) Brady, Scottsdale, AZ, Frederick J. Hughes, Rockford, Mary H. (Stanley) Jones, Rockford, Nancy H. Wallace, Rockford, Daniel W. (Mary) Hughes, Solon, Ohio, Mark C. (Linda) Hughes, Cherry Valley, IL, Judith H. (Donald) Cantrill, Phoenix, AZ and Joseph A. (Grace) Hughes of La Marque, TX. Jane is also survived by her 21 grandchildren, their spouses and her 18 great-grandchildren.

After many years of raising her children, Jane enjoyed a long and happy retirement wintering with her husband in Florida and Arizona. Her avocations were her family, golf and bargain shopping. No account of her life would be complete without mention of her hole-in-one at the age of 80.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated in Phoenix and a funeral Mass will be celebrated at a later date in Rockford. Her remains will be interred with those of her husband at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

Jane was a gentle woman of deep faith. Her friends and family will miss her laughter, her wisdom, enthusiasm and direct approach to problem solving. She always made the best of any situation. At the end of any day, she had no problem falling asleep. The best is all you can give and she gave it.

The family is grateful to Hospice of the Valley, to James Scibona of Rockford’s VNA Hospice, as well as to her drivers/shopping companions/caregivers with a special thanks to Valdone (Marija) Valeviciute, who drove for her, shopped with her, and cared for her at the end of her long and productive life.

Arrangements under the direction of Carr-Tenney Mortuary, Tempe, AZ.