Rosemary Shaw Hughes

Rosemary Shaw Hughes born July 9th, 1932, died February 18th, 2026. She is predeceased by her parents, Rose (Wilbur) Shaw and Earle E. Shaw, by her husband Harry Hughes, her sisters Joanne Graham, and Marjory (Bob) Chase.

Rosemary was born in Gaspé, a small village on the eastern coast of Quebec, Canada, the third daughter to Earle and Rose Shaw, of Orono Maine. Her father was a forest engineer managing a logging company. Shortly after her birth the family moved to Saint Jovite in the foothills of the Laurentians, and when she was 4 years old they\ moved to Montreal, Quebec. At age 17, having finished high school, she moved to New York City to attend Parson’s school of design where she graduated in interior design.

Her years in New York were exciting for her. Besides her studies, she went to as many shows and musicals as she could. She loved design, in fact her sisters said that when Rosemary went to visit a friend she returned with little information about the family, but everything about the interior design of the home.

After graduation Rosemary moved to Detroit for work, where she met Harry on a blind date. They were married in 1955, and bought their home in Livonia in 1960. Rosemary loved her home, and was able to stay there until her move to Cedarbrook Retirement home in 2019.

Rosemary was always deeply connected to and passionate about the natural world; she was one of the early members of the Livonia Roamin club of rocks, minerals and fossils, she herself had an extensive collection.

She loved her garden and was active in the Plymouth garden club. She was a member of the Naturalist club of Livonia, and with Harry she was part of a Gourmet club. She was also a member and volunteer at the Unity Church of Livonia, and for many years she volunteered at a women’s shelter. She remained an avid reader for most of her life. Rosemary had her own pace, she took her time to consider, to read, to think, to react, but she always came to a place that was right for her. She was very creative, whether it was needle work, or decorating her home for each season, or wrapping gifts for her niece and nephews, often the wrapping being more memorable than the gift. She loved all wild life, from the chipmunks, rabbits and birds in her back yard, to her pet cats, and regularly donated to animal shelters.

She will be missed and fondly remembered by her brother-in-law Robert Hughes, by her niece and nephews and their partners, and by her eleven great nieces and nephews. Staying connected to family was very important to her, and so summer visits to Maine became a priority. With family in Canada and Maine, she welcomed visitors. One nephew remembers while studying in the area how delicious her gourmet meals were and how she took him to interesting outings and cultural events. Another family friend remembers wonderful chats with her, always sharp as a tack and very well informed, sharing a valuable perspective on America, Michigan and Detroit.

The family is extremely grateful to those who helped her to thrive in her last few years: all the caring staff at Cedarbrook Senior Living including Dr Dan; Brandon and the therapy department for giving her hope and inspiration; the Hospice team including Chaplain Jay, and the music therapist Danae, who nourished her soul; and Marie and Kate who patiently set up zoom calls weekly for Rosemary’s family to connect with her.And we are immeasurably grateful to Joyce, who was her friend and companion for many years, to her friends Heidi and Priyanka, who made life brighter, and to Bob and Teri Carris, who made everything possible.

At Rosemary’s request there will be no memorial service.

Remembering Rosemary: be thoughtful, be kind. Grow a garden. Be gentle with all living

things. Appreciate the beauty of the natural world, especially rocks, minerals and fossils!