Mary Brabender Hughes

Our beautiful wife and mother Mary A. Brabender Hughes, age 75, went to God surrounded by love on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at her residence in Kenosha after a valiant fight with cancer.

Born on October 29, 1946, in Mishicot, WI, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Lucille (Strouf) Raisleger. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from St. Norbert College and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago.

On July 4, 1986, Mary was united in marriage to John K. Hughes, a wonderful day for them both and the beginning of 35 years of joyous partnership.

For 30 years, Mary was a Social Worker in the Special Education Department with Kenosha Unified School District, retiring in 2006.

She cared for the environment, was an advocate for the Great Lakes, a member of the Sierra Club and a supporter of Women’s and Children’s Horizon.  She was very artistic, enjoyed reading and calligraphy and loved tending to her beautiful garden. She was passionate about current events and held strong opinions. Mary was particularly drawn to the writings of Thich Nhat Hanh and the poetry of Mary Oliver. To always cultivate practices of mindfulness, kindness and generosity was one of her guiding principles. She made everyone she encountered feel seen and special. Mary loved to travel. Some of her favorite journeys were with her family to France and to Prague. She enjoyed the Grand Canyon, and Sanibel Island, FL, and especially her annual summer visit to Door County. Above all, Mary cherished her deep bond with the light of her life, her treasured and beloved daughter Amy.

Left with her wonderful memory are her husband, John; her daughter, Amy; her siblings, Ronald (Mary) Raisleger, Anne (Ken) Basken, John (Tammy) Raisleger, Paul (Julie) Raisleger, and her many nieces and nephews and their families.