Penny Hughes

Penny was born in London, England and later moved to the south coast of England where she attended the Brighton & Hove Conservatory of Music and Drama. After the death of her father, her mother married a Canadian Army Officer and the family moved to Canada. She continued her studies there and took a job with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A year later she was posted to Rome, Italy, during which time she met her future husband, Tom Hughes, who was an employed by the U.S. Government. A year later they were married in St. Peter's Basilica. For the next thirty five years, they lived in eight countries. While stationed in Italy and Spain with the AF 1370th Photo Mapping Group, many lifelong friendships were made.

Penny was an accomplished actress and while in Tehran, Iran, she performed in a number of Shakespearean roles. She also starred in a British sponsored program on Iranian television for five years. Her acting experiences served her well and turned to directing in many of the countries where she founded "The Living Room Theater" and produced modern plays, casting embassy, military and international business people working there at the time.

During her years in Central and South America she was very active with charities and fundraisers for orphans, church projects and animal groups. In Costa Rica, she was nominated for the Secretary of States pin for outstanding Volunteerism.

Upon her husband's retirement to San Antonio in 1994, she became active in a number of organizations including: Speech Arts, Tuesday Musical Club, Salvation Army, Council of Presidents, "K" Supper Club and The Woman's Club of San Antonio. Penny was a member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church and a lector there for many years.

Penny is survived by her loving devoted husband, Tom Hughes; two daughters, Romaine Hughes and Lesley Hughes; two grandchildren, Kris Aghemo and Andrea Cox; and three great grandchildren, Natalie, TJ and Brimley.

Anyone who knew Penny was always attracted by her lively personality and wit. She was a good friend and confidant to many. Penny will be especially remembered for her spirit of adventure, and the tenaciousness that allowed her to achieve top rankings in many diverse endeavors.

Funeral Mass will be Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 10:00 A.M., at St. Matthew Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SnipSA, the ASPCA, or your favorite charity.