Dorothy Ann Hughes of Silver Spring, MD (Leisure World Community), originally of New Rochelle, NY, the daughter of F. Kenneth Mathis, Sr., and Eleanor Tucker Mathis, passed away peacefully in the company of her family on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, from colon cancer.
Family, friends, and laughter guided Dorothy’s vibrant and impactful life. Everyone she met was a friend and all were welcome at any time into Dorothy’s life and home. Dorothy married the late Gerald “Gerry” Kelly Hughes, Jr. in 1965. They considered their two children (Sean and Megan) their greatest gift and priority in life and raised them in Silver Spring with love, compassion and focus on family. Later in life, Dorothy had a partner of many years, the late Mitchell Myers.
Dorothy is survived by her brother, F. Kenneth “Buzz” Mathis, Jr. of Chapin, SC and his wife, Florence “Flo” their children Kevin and Michael (Kimberly). Dorothy’s son, Sean Hughes (Julie) of Howard County, their children Kayla, Connor, Brianna, and daughter, Megan Kreuzburg (Brad) of Silver Spring, their children Mathis and Eleanor “Ellie.” Additionally, John “Jack” Joseph Hughes, Gerry’s brother, his wife, Constance “Tinsel” and their children Colleen (Mark), Bridget (Barbara) and Shannon (David). Her youngest brother predeceased her, William “Willie” Tucker Mathis (Sue) and their children Kim (Sean M.) and late, William Tucker Mathis, Jr. (Alex).
Dorothy’s five grandchildren (Kayla, Connor, Mathis, Brianna, and Ellie) were Nana's pride and joy for the past twenty plus years. Earlier in her life, Dorothy worked in the medical field, including as one of the first employees at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, when it opened in 1963 and at Community Radiology in Olney. She later worked as a sales professional, first in the hearing aid industry and later selling commercial office products. Dorothy served many years as a homeroom parent and PTA member at Georgian Forest E.S. and as parent representative for many of the sports and activities her children participated in during their youth. She enjoyed reading and playing card games, including her weekly canasta game with her friends from Leisure World that continued up to this fall. Traveling with her family and Leisure World friends was a passion. She explored much of the U.S. and World, including her most recent trip to S. Africa. Dorothy was an excellent cook and baker who loved to make meals for social events and family gatherings. She rescued her shih tzu dog, Huey, ten years ago from the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center. Visiting the Maryland and Delaware beaches was a favorite summer pastime for Dorothy the past 60 years, including the last twenty plus at her Sea Colony residence in Bethany Beach.
She enjoyed every moment since moving to the Leisure World community in 2005, which is where her late parents resided in 1974, shortly after the community opened. Dorothy had a close and loyal group of friends who she socialized, traveled with, and visited daily, including social events and volunteering regularly for the “Fun and Fancy” plays, often serving as the stage manager.
Dorothy had a huge, loving heart and soul. She had an easy laugh and smile, loved her family and friends unconditionally and enjoyed her life to the fullest.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Silver Spring, Maryland on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 11am.
In Lieu of flowers donations to one of Dorothy’s preferred organizations would be appreciated: Montgomery Hospice (Casey’s House), the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (via Friends of Montgomery County Animals) or the American Cancer Society.