Tribute

Annie Georgina Hughes was born on May 23rd, 1921, to Annie and Charles Lawson, in Cails Mills, New Brunswick. She was raised in a large family on a working farm near Cails Mills. She remembers, fondly, being sent to a one-room school when she was small on one of the big draft horses. As a young woman she taught in a one-room school, herself, in Middle Southampton, New Brunswick. But, like her older sister, Elizabeth, she had the urge to see the wider world, leaving home first for St. Catherines, Ontario, where she taught school for another year, and ultimately, North Vancouver, BC. In North Vancouver, she met and married Bill Hughes, who worked for the City of North Vancouver, where they lived together until 2009, when Bill passed away from cancer. Georgina and Bill had 2 children, Richard and Mary Lynn, whom she was devoted to.

Georgina, who had many friends, was known to be very kind and generous, but also witty. She was an avid reader, loved to travel, and was a keen Scrabble player. In her 30s, Georgina took up pottery seriously, creating elegant, functional ware. Her casseroles, which she perfected, were in especially high demand, and she was an active member of the BC Potters Guild. A dedicated gardener, she made many lifelong friends with people who passed by and admired her beautiful flower gardens. Her delicious baking, particularly Banbury tarts and trifle, was well remembered by those who were lucky enough to come by for tea or dinner.

In 2016, 7 years after Bill had died, Georgina sold their North Shore home and moved to Cobble Hill, on Vancouver Island, to be with her son, Richard; his wife, Maggie; and their 2 children, Jeff and Ashley, and later, 2 great-grandsons, Nathan and Austin, who are now 4 and a half and 2 years old. In 2022, Richard passed away of ALS, and Georgina continued to live with Maggie and Jeff. Sadly, in September 2025, she fell and broke her pelvis. After a 2-month stay in the hospital and 5 weeks in Cerwydden Care Home in Duncan, she passed away peacefully on the evening of December 20th, 2025, at 104 years old. While she was unable to reply to many who had sent her well-wishes and holiday cards in the final months, she was genuinely appreciative. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Lynn, and sister, Elizabeth (108 years old), and will be fondly remembered and missed by so many friends and relatives.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local food bank or the SPCA.