Obituary of Helen M. Hughes

Helen (McKeown) Hughes, 88, of Glastonbury, CT and Osterville, MA, entered into eternal life peacefully on September 20, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of 50 years to the late Michael A. Hughes.

Born in New York, New York, Helen, was the daughter of the late James and Mary (Conlon) McKeown of Queens New York. She was one of five siblings, James McKeown, John McKeown, Claire Kidd and her surviving brother, Gene McKeown of VA. She was lovingly referred to by two names in the family, Helen or Sheila due to her parents conflicting agreement on a first name. She loved to answer to both.

Helen had a wonderful childhood growing up in New York with her Irish parents instilling in her a love of her heritage. She was a very devoted disciple to her faith. She attended parochial school throughout all her school years. That deep devotion to her catholic faith inspired those around her especially when that devotion was tested.

Working for Lever Brothers after graduating from high school, she enjoyed working in the city and experiencing city life. After meeting the love of her life, she married, Mike, at 20 years old and they began their married life journey. As they built their family together, Helen was the anchor as career building took them through many moves including California, New York, Ohio and finally settling in Connecticut. A family business was started and flourished, much because of Helen’s involvement. Second homes on Cape Cod were a family favorite of gathering places.

During the 50 years of marriage, Helen made everyone feel like family. She loved to entertain. A very dignified lady, her warmth was felt by those she loved and met and she was a true lover of animals, especially her dogs. Truly an angel on earth.

Surviving are her children and their spouses Mary and Robert Abel of Glastonbury, Laurie and Michael Paternoster of South Glastonbury, Gregory and Jennifer Hughes of East Hampton, Jack and Gail Hughes of Palm Coast FL, and Robert and Barbara Hughes of Centerville, MA.  Helen’s great blessings were her children, their spouses, her 12 grandchildren: Cassy, Briana, Ali, Kaela, Collin, Sean, Darci, Daniel, Maggie, CJ, Erin and Regan, and her 18 great grandchildren with another on the way.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 10:00 am at SS. Isidore and Maria Parish in St. Paul Church, 2577 Main St., Glastonbury. Burial will be private. Friends may call on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury. For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a Veteran’s organization would be appreciated by the family.