Susan Elizabeth Hughes

Sadly, Susan Elizabeth Hughes passed away on March 7, 2023, in Midlothian, Virginia. She is survived by many family members who will miss her tremendously. She was the beloved wife of 53 years to Jim Hughes, who preceded her in death December 23, 2022. She was also the darling mother of Emily Williams (Craig) of Midlothian, Virginia and Julia Lattanzio (John) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and treasured grandmother to Abigail Ann Williams and James Richard Lattanzio.

Born in Toronto, Ontario in 1946, Susan was gifted with a brilliant mind. She was a dedicated student with a special love for English. She pursued an education and career dedicated to this passion. In 1967, she received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Western Ontario. She then pursued a master’s degree in English Literature at the University of British Columbia.

Susan grew up during a generation when career options were limited for women. Thus, she chose to become an entrepreneur. She operated a technical communications company for over 25 years. She wrote and published her own curricula and books to educate others in the power of clear writing and speaking. Susan instilled confidence in her students and encouraged them to demand more from themselves academically. She held a strong belief that education was something no one could take away regardless of where one landed in life.

While Susan strived for perfection in every endeavor, she believed her greatest accomplishment was marrying the love of her life, Jim Hughes, in 1969. Having met by chance on Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach, Susan and Jim used their perseverance and talents to build a wonderful life together. It was a life they loved and left them without a single regret. As she would always say, her life was full of love. Susan’s second prized accomplishment was the raising of her daughters Emily and Julia. To her daughters she was the best mom, with the greatest ideas, the best dinners, and an unwavering support in their endeavors.

Susan was a vibrant personality whose quick wit could make you laugh until you cried. She also possessed the greatest laugh that will be forever missed. She was an esteemed hostess known not to overlook a single detail. Susan and Jim lived in many places where she made forever friends. Those friends cherish Susan’s handwritten notes on impeccable stationery, in elegant penmanship. She was a proud Canadian, making sure her children knew and visited many parts of the country. She proudly became an American citizen, as well. She was an unsuspecting competitor in the family March Madness pool and had a not-so-secret obsession with the British royal family. Susan loved fiercely and that love will be missed terribly by her family and friends. Her legacy and vibrancy will endure through her beloved family.

A joint interment for Susan and Jim will take place on May 18, 2023, at Arlington National Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Susan’s memory to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, https://www.mcsf.org/donate/.