Patricia "Kati" Kay Hughes

Known as Kati by her friends, she was born in Nottinghamshire, England on June 6, 1942, the oldest child of Freda Smith and Leonard Pearson. She was preceded in death by her parents and her younger sister, Diane Eve Fitzgerald.

Kati is survived by her husband of 58 years, Roger Hughes; her daughters Sally Anne Hughes (James Kaliber) of Summit, New Jersey and Samantha Beerli (Michael) of Charlotte, North Carolina; and her true pride and joy -- her four grandchildren.

Kati married Roger in 1967 and together they spent the next six decades exploring the world and following their dreams. After seven years cruising the Mediterranean on their yacht, Tranquility Base, they emigrated to Florida in 1986. Kati built a successful international real estate brokerage while spending time with her grandsons Jacob and Zachary. Roger and Kati moved to New Bern in 2021, where Kati enjoyed cooking dinners for new friends, growing flowers in her sunroom, and travelling to New Jersey regularly to see her granddaughters, Sophie and Olivia.

Kati’s warm personality and giving nature touched many people over her lifetime. She will be remembered for her complete devotion to her family and friends, and her love of life – she was always willing to try new things and go on new adventures.

The family would like to sincerely thank all the staff in the Intensive Care Unit of East Carolina Regional Hospital for their care and compassion in caring for Kati.

A celebration of life for Kati will take place from 3-5 pm on May 22, 2025 at the Harbour Pointe Golf Club in Fairfield Harbour, New Bern.