Catherine Patricia McGowan Hughes

Catherine McGowan Hughes (Kaky), 91, of Mandeville, Louisiana, peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord Jesus on August 24, 2026. Kaky was born on May 6, 1935, to Martin and Mabel McGowan in Mobile, Alabama. She grew up with a timid but fun-loving spirit that never faded, carrying a sense of joy and playfulness into every chapter of her life.

Kaky graduated from Covenant of Mercy High School in May of 1953. Afterwards, she was employed by Merchant National Bank, and it was there that she met the love of her life, Frank Hughes (deceased). They were married 68 wonderful years and together, with their trust in God, made their home a place filled with Christ’s unconditional love, encouragement, fun, and laughter. They were blessed to have five children: Frank Allen Jr. (deceased), Sandy Franco (Ron), Anne Marie Brooks (Jimmy), Lee Pyles (Scott), and Laurie Martin (Dan).

Her absolute favorite titles in life were "Mama" and "Grandma Kaky." She was blessed to have 14 grandchildren (Charlie, Meghan, Danielle, Michael, Mackenzie, Drew, Nick, Shea, Jessica, Catherine, John, Elizabeth Grace [with the Lord], Joshua, and Libby) and 11 adorable great-grandchildren. For all of them she was their biggest cheerleader and their most enthusiastic playmate, never shying away from playing on the floor with them every chance that she could get.

We will remember Kaky for her loving and caring nature, her playfulness, and her occasional, endearing stubbornness. Her greatest accomplishment in life was that she persevered through all the shenanigans of her beloved Frank. She always said she couldn’t wait to see the crowns in Heaven that she would receive because she endured to the end and through it all, her love for him never faltered.

To know Kaky was to know a lady who loved to dance, anywhere and at any time. As soon as she’d hear the rhythm of the beat, our Dancing Queen would get those arms and hips going. She couldn’t help herself and would invite anyone and everyone to join in on the fun. We believe it was her way of expressing her gratitude for a life full of blessing, love, and goodness.

Kaky seemed to always meet challenging life trials with a smile, knowing they were in God’s hands and that all would be well. When they lost their son, Allen, to leukemia, she walked with incredible inner strength. She let it be known that that strength and hope could only come from Jesus, and she was forever thankful for the way He carried her and Frank through that time in life.

Kaky loved her family, the McGowan clan, dearly. She was preceded in death by her siblings (David, Martin, Mabel, Elodie, Angela, Ed, Margaret, and Pat). She is survived by her younger sister, Ann, whom she always adored. She also was so grateful to be a part of the beautiful Hughes family, Frank’s family. Her family and friends will always cherish Kaky’s memory, and we will be forever grateful that the Lord blessed us all with our sweet Grandma Kaky.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Kaky’s name.

Services will be Saturday, September 5 at Grace Funeral Home

450 Holy Trinity Drive

Covington, LA 70433

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Words of Remembrance will be shared from 11:00AM - 11:30AM, with Mass to follow at 11:30AM.

Burial will follow at St. Lazarus of Bethany Memorial Garden

Mausoleum, adjacent to the funeral home.