HUGHES, Breden

Hannah B. Hughes, age 86, most recently of St. Charles, passed away Sunday, September 11, 2011. She was the daughter of the late Barry and Mary Breden, the beloved mother of six children, Mary Hughes Durfee of Hancock, MI, John E. Hughes, “world citizen,” Elizabeth Hughes Wiley of St. Charles, MO, Eileen Hughes Hathaway of Elk, CA, Mark M. Hughes of Mt. Shasta, CA and Edward Z. Hughes of Reno, NV. She was much loved by her many grandchildren, who were the light of her life, as well as several nieces and nephews. Hannah moved all her life, but finally made her home for nearly 40 years in the tiny town of Elk on the beautiful Redwood coast of California. The Elk school, Greenwood Elementary, a one-room schoolhouse, was about to close due to low enrollment: they had 9 students and needed 11. Hannah’s large brood saved the day, increasing enrollment to 12 just in time. Hannah lived to see her grandson Carson attend Greenwood Elementary, and in 2005, in celebration of her contribution to the school’s survival, held a small 80th birthday party for her, the two dozen current students (K-3), hearing stories of those times. Hannah was a lifelong artist, craftsperson and skilled needlewoman who often tried new techniques “just to see if she could do them” She was a voracious reader, with an interest in topics ranging from history and the arts, to poetry and quantum physics. She loved life among her Redwoods, but in 2008, she went to live with her daughter and son-in-law in the Midwest. Even after Alzheimer's took so much away, she remained robust and happy, enjoying just about everything around her. As more than one recent acquaintance remarked, “She smiles more than anyone I’ve ever met!” Help us remember and celebrate her by appreciating the marvelous moments of your life: savor chocolate, lick ice cream, listen to Chopin, go for a lovely drive, enjoy small children -- and remember to say as she did (without irony or embarrassment, at least once a day, sometimes more) in blissful rapture: "It's so beautiful!" Hannah is preceded in death by her parents Barry and Mary (Taggart) Breden, and her sister Mary Breden Smith. A small family memorial will take place at a later date. Donations in her memory can be made to the many non-profits that support the things she held dear – children, the arts, learning and nature as well as organizations supporting Alzheimer’s patients and their families, including the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project, or the American Alzheimer’s Association. Donations may be made in her name with a notification address of Alternative Funeral & Cremation Services 2115 Parkway Dr. St. Peters, MO 63376.