Jean Hughes

On Friday, October 27, 2017 at 12:29pm our cherished Jean Hughes succumbed to a short battle with a terminal illness. A women of faith, Jean was greeted with open arms by our Lord and Savior; heaven gained another Angel. Jean Hughes, or "JR" as her work family knew her, was also greeted by her son Randy who gained his wings 21 years earlier. What a reunion that must have been!
Born in Huntington County, PA on April 4, 1945, Jean learned early on through childhood trials that family matters most; after her relationship with God. Being separated from her six siblings as a child, she learned to understand firsthand the meaning of unconditional love, sacrifice and perseverance as it was displayed by her older sister Marie, who was the force and instrument of God to reunite them.
Jean was married to Kenneth Douglas Hughes September 23, 1961. It might surprise you all to learn that Jean was not Ken's first choice, but Ken was her first choice, and so there isn't much more to say about that except, is anyone surprised that Jean got her way?
There are countless uplifting stories that exude Jean's personality and heart for others. She could give you that look that only a mother can, scold you onto the correct path, give you words of wisdom, then embrace you with a warm hug of encouragement and support. She made a lasting impression on every life she touched.
Jean loved people and in her own words in a letter she wrote 16 years ago (when she first battled colon cancer): "I love people whole-heartedly. I'm sure I got that from my son Randy because the experience of losing a child tends to make you guarded against a kind and merciful God being real. While my daughters and I may not be alike in our clothing tastes or cooking styles, I believe we're very much alike on an emotional, spiritual and the genuine caring for our fellow-neighbors."
Jean was always concerned more for others than herself and it was typical for her to put others first. Again, in her own words, "I do not want my family to be in pain when I pass. They must of course have time to grieve. It burdens me so to know they will be heartbroken. I know they will be there for each other and give support to each other."
Jean worked at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital for 25 years, earning the title Director of the Psychiatric Clinic. She loved her work and she loved her work family. JR, as she was affectionately known, was a force to reckon with in the hallowed halls of Union Memorial. She always stood for what was right, what was fair, and what was just. As Libby, her co-worker, puts it "When JR speaks, everyone listens." She stood loyal and dedicated to her co-workers, staff and doctors.
When she wasn't working, Jean's other joys included: gardening, cooking, going to the "playground," camping, Wii bowling, board games (Glen Burnie Train), and mostly, planning/coordinating/hosting family gatherings.
She is survived by her husband Kenneth Douglas Hughes; daughters Teresa Leet and Kim Jenkins; 9 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren (2 more on the way); sisters: Marie Goodyear-Picking, Betty Orris, Shirley Varner-Martin; brother George Colgate. She is preceded in death by her son Randy Hughes; parents Pauline Brindle and Clinton Wolfe; brothers Donnie and Carl.
Jean leaves a legacy of a family rooted in love for one another and memories that will sustain and bind them together until they are each reunited with her in eternal life.
A memorial service will be held at the Singleton Funeral Home, 1 2nd Ave, SW, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 at noon with a Memorial Service at 1:00 pm. Jean's ashes will be interred at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Crownsville, MD.