Audrey Jean Hughes

Audrey Jean (Stirling) Hughes, 89, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2020 in Ashburn, VA. She was born on March 10, 1931 to Walter S. and Viola M. (Holden) Stirling in McKeesport, PA.

Audrey graduated with high honors from McKeesport High School in 1949. After graduation, she worked at the McKeesport Daily News. On May 13, 1951, she married her high school sweetheart, Albert W. Hughes, in Dravosburg, PA.

Following their marriage, the couple moved to Memphis, TN where Albert served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. They were blessed with a daughter (Susan) during this time. After being discharged from the Navy, the young family settled in Dravosburg, PA and added two sons (Scott and Brian).

Audrey spent most of her early-married life as a homemaker, enjoying and supporting the needs of her active family. As her children grew older, she returned to the workforce as a secretary for a law practice in Reading, PA and then as a secretary at Wilson Junior High School in West Lawn, PA. Following a move to Lenexa, KS, she again returned to work in a law office.

Over the years, her husband’s career moves took them from the East Coast to the Midwest and back again. Through each of these moves, they always sought out a local church to participate in as active members in the community and fellowship of faith. Family activities in Georgia included boating and fishing at Lake Lanier and family vacations in Panama City, FL. In Lenexa, they enjoyed playing bridge and going to Kansas City Royals baseball games, as well as taking trips to Colorado with friends. After moving back to Georgia in the 90’s, they enjoyed exploring small towns in the local area and in parts of Florida. They also made many trips to Pennsylvania to visit their granddaughter and her parents.

In May 2001, Al and Audrey celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by taking the family on a cruise to the Caribbean. Memories of that trip are cherished by all, as Albert passed away in October of that year.

Subsequently, Audrey built a new independent life for herself in Newnan, GA. She made new friends in the community and enjoyed weekly bridge games, exercise class, and group outings to restaurants and shows. Despite living in different parts of the country, the family continued to get together including a memorable Thanksgiving vacation in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico in 2008 and a beach getaway to Marco Island in May 2014.

In 2016, she planned to move to Waltonwood in Ashburn, VA, once completed. Construction delays gave her the opportunity to spend time living with each of her children. While everyone enjoyed having her with them, she longed for her own space and was happy to move into Waltonwood, transitioning from independent living into assisted care. Audrey’s family wishes to thank the dedicated staff of Waltonwood and Capital Caring Hospice for the care they provided to Audrey as her need for personal assistance increased.

She is survived by her loving children; daughter, Susan (Hughes) Potisek and husband Louis of Gainesville, VA; son, Scott Hughes and wife Debora of Wellsville, KS; son, Brian Hughes and wife Myriam, their son, David Hughes Diaz and daughter Rebecca Long and husband Christian of Wichita, KS; granddaughter, Stephanie (Potisek) Lee, husband David, and great-grandson, Caden of Houston, TX. She is also survived by her sister, Darlene (Stirling) Murtha and husband Glenn of Houston, TX; niece Pamela (Murtha) Mazor and husband Michael; nephew, Glenn Murtha; and, great-nephews Kevin and Bryan Mazor.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to:

National Christian Foundation, Attn: Contribution Services, 11625 Rainwater Dr., Suite 500, Alpharetta, GA 30009. Checks may be made payable to National Christian Foundation. On the Memo Line please indicate – Fund # 623422 The Least of These, or contribute online at

ncfgiving.com/

Capital Caring, 3180 Fairview Park Dr., Suite 500, Falls Church, VA 22042 or at capitalcaring.org/