Dorothy Ellen Hughes

We mourn the passing of our beloved mother, Dorothy Hughes, who left us on March 26, 2025. With profound love and deep gratitude, we celebrate her remarkable life. She was more than a mother; she was our guiding light, greatest teacher, and unwavering source of strength.

You were there when we took our first breath and we were there as you took your last.

Dorothy's life was a testament to selfless love and boundless support. She was always there, whether typing my PhD dissertation on weekends or offering wisdom to help us navigate life’s challenges. Her presence brought comfort beyond words, her support was steadfast, and her love, unconditional.

Mom found joy in the simple pleasures of life—her summers were spent with pride and passion, tending to her garden. She taught us to drive and parallel park, built a beautiful gazebo near the pool, and balanced our freedom with steady guidance during our teenage years even when we made some poor choices. Winter picnics in upstate New York were filled with her warmth, as she fueled us with hot cocoa while we played hockey. She taught us how to make crêpe Suzettes and, every Christmas season, her kitchen became a haven of joy as she baked countless cookies to share with neighbors.

Dorothy lived with grace, resilience, and unyielding energy. She taught us how to face adversity with courage, to find hope in the darkest moments, and to cherish even the smallest blessings. Her lessons, sacrifices, and boundless acts of love shaped us into the individuals we are today. Among the many gifts she gave, perhaps the greatest was my brother John—a lifelong source of love and strength, whose bond with me is one of her enduring legacies.

We are forever grateful for the years we shared with her—the laughter, the lessons, and the love that filled every moment. While her absence leaves an ache in our hearts, we take solace knowing her wisdom and love will remain with us forever.

Dorothy leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and love. She is survived by her two sons, John and James; James’s wife, Liliana; and her cherished grandson, Nicolas, who admired her energy and enthusiasm for the stock market.

Beloved wife of the late James P. Hughes. Predeceased by her mother Mary (Giovanniello) Tullo and father Alexander, sister Angela Lore Tullo, and Dominick Tullo and Ignatius Tullo.

You were the last of the first generation of US born Tullos who are finally together again.

May your days be pain-free with daily beauty parlor trips, your strong opinions and feistiness be appreciated, the return of your unlimited energy to perform all of the DIY projects on your list, watch Deal or No Deal, travel to those places you watched on tv and meet everyone you ever wanted while guiding us from above.

All we wanted was more time with you but value the years we had. We love you and are crushed you are no longer physically here.

You will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Rest peacefully, our beautiful mother, knowing you were adored beyond measure.

A funeral mass for Dorothy will be held Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 685 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753. Following the funeral mass will be a committal service at 11:00 AM at St Joseph's Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleums, 62 Cedar Grove Rd, Toms River, NJ 08753.