Obituary of Mary H. McHugh

It is with sadness that the family announces the unexpected passing of Mary H. McHugh on Friday, November 15, 2024. Born on June 13, 1947, in Saint John, NB, she was the daughter of the late William L. McCormick and V. Regina (Jean) (Furlong) McCormick.

After graduating from St. Vincent’s High School in 1966, Mary worked at Anderson Insurance and then at Irving Pulp and Paper doing data entry, which she absolutely loved. As she told it, she never really wanted to give up that job, but destiny transitioned her into an “always present” stay-at-home mom. After her kids were through school, she returned to the workforce for a few years as a casual ECG technician.

Mary and her husband, Bob, lived most of their married life in their amazing community on Douglas Lake. She was blessed to raise her kids on the same road as her younger sister thereby creating a very strong bond between their families and others in the neighbourhood. Whether it was watching Magnum PI with Debbie, having a party at Barb and Mackie’s, taking her Alpine over to hang out at Kim and Jeff's, or going to David and Dale’s in a blizzard because no one could travel on Christmas Day -  Mary was fun to be around. In her recent years you would often see her sitting in her gazebo or on her front step “watching the action,” especially the kids across the road.  After her most recent cat passed away, she swore she'd never go through that hell again until “Kevin”, the neighbourhood Casanova, took a real liking to her. She enjoyed him and considered him to be her rental cat, bringing her benefits without any responsibility.

Fitness was Mary’s lifelong passion. She wasn't much for treadmills or weight rooms, but she enjoyed going to daily exercise classes. Her gym friends at the GoodLife gym in Quispamsis were a big part of her life. She loved her walks at the Rez in the summer. She loved snowshoeing in the winter, too, as long as it didn’t involve actually driving in the snow -- or flurries  -- or even potential flurries. At one point she took up curling at the Carleton Curling Club but that morphed into her becoming an avid spectator, preferring to watch it on TV and listen to the announcers. You would be lucky to get a supper if there was an important match on because she’d be too busy texting her curling friends discussing the play-by-play.

Mary loved to travel. You would never see her happier than when she was carrying her travel bag to go on a girls’ trip to the States or on a tour of PEI with Carol. Going to Kathy’s camp and looking out at the Renous river was definitely a happy place for her. She loved going to the Doyles’ cottage in Tennants Cove for the yearly family barbecue and spending time with Dianne and Ken at their second home in Harding’s Point. She went on many a bus trip and she even took Bob along once. She joined Kristie on her adventure to Cuba with Betty. She was the life of the party during a big family trip to Costa Rica. She even made it to Scotland and Ireland, after she didn’t like to fly much anymore. She and Bob hung out with many different couples over the years and went on many wonderful adventures. Time spent with Sonny and Sharon Goodman and their extended family on Darlings Island produced epic laughs and stories.

Nearly twelve years ago, she became a Nana to her grandson, Sammy. Popcorn and books at bedtime was their time and their thing. Tuesday night suppers with Sammy and Nela was a tradition that started very early on and continued for many, many years. They loved to giggle together. She always said he was the best hugger.

Mary was super proud of her kids and Sammy, and they knew it. She will be missed by them more than words could ever say.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Kristie McHugh and her son, Keith (Natalie) and also  her grandson, Sammy, his mother, Nela, and her bonus grandson, Will. She leaves behind her treasured sister and friend Kathy Hayes (Tom), sisters-in-laws Dorothy Doyle (John) and Nancy McHugh as well as several wonderful nieces and nephews. Mary is also survived by her dear friend of over 50 years, her partner in crime and travel buddy, Sharon Goodman.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Bob, of 54 years, in January 2024, and by her parents, her sister Dianne Brewer, and her brother-in-law Ken Brewer.

Arrangements are under the care of Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis (506-849-2119). Visitation will take place at Kennebecasis Funeral Home on Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held in Kennebecasis Funeral Home Chapel immediately following the visitation.  

Remembrances may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Canada or Romero House.

For those unable to attend, Mary's service will be livestreamed and may be viewed by clicking the provided link.