Eileen E. (Collins) Hughes' Obituary
Eileen E. (Collins) Hughes, 93, longtime resident of Lawrence, was the cherished matriarch of her family who enjoyed many of life’s quiet activities and touched many lives. Eileen passed away peacefully at home surrounded by four generations of her loving family on July 24, 2020. Eileen was affectionately known by many names: Mother, Gram, GiGi, among others. She was extremely devoted to her family and had an especially profound impact on her grandchildren. Behind her quiet demeanor was a loving woman with a sharp mind, wicked sense of humor and quick wit. She is fondly loved, cherished and missed by all.
Eileen was born on January 1, as Miss 1927, the first baby born of the year in Lawrence to the late Joseph and Cecilia (Jones) Collins. Eileen attended the Notre Dame Academy in Tyngsboro, graduating with the Class of 1944. Knowing the value of a secondary education, she attended the Kathleen Dell Secretarial School located in Brookline, MA. Eileen enjoyed a successful career that spanned nearly three decades with the Lawrence Public Schools, finally retiring from the James F. Hennessey School.
As a lifelong devout Catholic, Eileen volunteered countless hours with the Holy Family Hospital Women’s Auxiliary.
Eileen is survived by her two beloved children: her daughter Susan H. Flanagan and her husband Dr. Patrick Flanagan; and her son Stephen V. Hughes III and his wife Lorraine Hughes. She is also survived by her two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Stephen V. Hughes Jr, with whom she celebrated 55 years of marriage until his passing in 2003, and her son Paul E. Hughes who passed away in 2016. She was also preceded in death by her sister Cecilia H. Dunphy and her husband Richard.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 3, 2020 at 1 PM at Saint Mary’s - Immaculate Conception Cemetery, 29 Barker Street, Lawrence. Friends and family are cordially invited to attend. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is proud to serve the Hughes family.
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