Gloria Jean Hughes
April 13, 1931 ~ December 16, 2018
Gloria Jean Hughes, loved by many and missed by all of those she touched, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 15, 2018. She was born on April 13, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan to William and Ann Markwardt.
Gloria had countless accomplishments and helped many disadvantaged children and families over the years, asking for nothing in return. Gloria graduated from Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital as a Registered Nurse in 1952, and began working as a nurse in the newborn nursery and emergency room in Detroit. In 1970, the family moved to Brownsville, Texas to pursue Bill's career with Leece-Neville. She volunteered as a school nurse at Saint Mary’s Church, worked as a nurse for Brownsville Independent School District, and served on the Cameron County Child Welfare Board. She later founded Tip of Texas Family Outreach in Brownsville, which continues to help children and families to this day. Throughout her life, she also volunteered at Child Protective Services, Battered Women’s Shelter, her church, and other projects that were dear to her heart, including repairing a grandmother’s home and opening her own home to those in need.
She was strong in her faith and close to her family. She enjoyed singing in her church choir, traveling, sewing, making beautiful quilts, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. One of the highlights of her life was singing with the choir at St. Peter’s Basilica and then at a private reception for Pope John Paul II in Rome.
Gloria was preceded in death by her mother and father, her brother William and his wife Ann Markwardt, her sister-in-law Betty Markwardt, and her loving son Robert “Bob” Hughes.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years William Joseph Hughes and her children William, Michael and wife Jody, Laurie, daughter-in-law Janie (wife of Robert+), David and wife Barbara, Daniel and wife Mary, and her grandchildren Robert, Jacqueline, Michael, Stephen, Jessica, Jennipher, Daniel, and Travis. She is also survived by her brother Melvin Markwardt and brother Gary Markwardt and wife Mary Ellen. The family would like to thank Hope Hospice and the caregivers that helped watch over Gloria these past couple of years. Gloria’s Memorial Service will be at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in New Braunfels, Texas on Thursday, December 20 at 10 a.m. A rosary will be held at 9:30 preceding the mass.
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Gloria Hughes was my godmother and often sent thoughtful little rememberances over the years. I admired her faith, positive attitude and love for her family. Once, she sent me a little ring with a star attached. It reminded me of the quote, “In one of the stars, I shall be living. In one of them, I shall be laughing when you look at the sky at night.” (Saint-Exupery) You will be missed.