Mary Lou Hughes

Mary Lou Key West - Hughes (Gardner) Hughes Mary Lou (Gardner) Hughes

Oct. 10, 1947 - Sept. 22, 2025

Mary Lou (Gardner) Hughes, 77, of Key West, Florida, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior, and surrounded by her family on Sept. 22, 2025, after a courageous five-month battle with pancreatic cancer. An extremely proud seventh-generation Conch, Mary Lou was born on Oct. 10, 1947, in Key West. Her roots ran deep in this island community she so dearly loved, and she carried the legacy of her Bahamian heritage with great pride. She lived a life filled with faith, family, resilience and an unstoppable spirit. An extremely devoted wife, mother and woman of faith, Mary Lou will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and tireless commitment to the people and the island she loved.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jerry Hughes; son Joseph (Mary) Hughes; daughter Erica (Randy) Sterling; grandchildren Skye Sterling, Sierra Sterling, and Gia Hughes; brothers-in-law Chuck Freeman, Jack (Gwen) Hughes, Mike (Arlene) Hughes, Larry Hughes, Robert Soifer; sister-in-law Kathey Hughes; niece, Heather Freeman; nephews, Johnny and Chris Hughes, as well as numerous other family members and lifelong friends that will forever cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her parents, Billy and Edith Gardner; sister Sheila Freeman, her nephews Chas and Billy Freeman, as well as her brother-in-law and buddy, Bucky Hughes.

Mary Lou was known for her unwavering Catholic faith as a member of The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea, where she attended perpetual adoration for many years. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her through every joy and every trial.

Mary Lou was a graduate of Key West High School in 1965. She later became director of the Conchettes and remained deeply connected to the Key West Conch community throughout her life.

Beautiful, smart, endlessly talented and never afraid to get her hands dirty, she approached life with purpose and pride. A gifted entrepreneur with a creative spirit, Mary Lou wore many hats: hairstylist, dance instructor, boutique owner, gift basket designer and cake baker just to name a few. She opened Marilu's, her own salon shortly after high school in 1967, then alongside her sister and best friend, Sheila, Mary Lou learned to live, love and laugh for many years with many successful businesses in Key West, including Sheila's School of Dance, Britches and "A Tisket A Tasket" gift shop. Mary Lou was also an owner of and operated the Tunnel Convenience Store. There seemed to be nothing she couldn't do and she did it all with style, skill and a quiet determination.

Mary Lou was also a fierce warrior that unfortunately battled three primary cancers, something unimaginable for one lifetime. She survived breast cancer and lung cancer twice (non-smoker) before bravely facing pancreatic cancer. Even through illness, she never complained and continued to care for those around her. Her unbelievable strength, grace and determination through each battle inspired all who knew her.

Above all, Mary Lou was devoted to her family. She lived to love, support, and care for them - always putting others before herself. She was the caretaker to so many in her family that fell ill. Her presence was the heart of her home, and her love will live on in the lives she shaped. Her legacy is one of love, faith, service, and resilience. She was a "mother" to so many and a guiding light to her family and community. One of her greatest loves was her granddaughters, and they adored their Mimi. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her. Her favorite saying was: "May God be your co-pilot," which reflected the way she lived - with trust, purpose and love. And now, as she navigates the heavens, we know God is her co-pilot.

All arrangements are entrusted to Castillo Thurston Key West Mortuary. Please send flowers to Key West Mortuary for delivery and display at The Basilica St. Mary's Star of the Sea. A service to honor and remember Mary Lou, and the truly remarkable woman she was, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 3 p.m. at The Basilica St. Mary's Star of the Sea. Donations in memory of Mary Lou Gardner Hughes can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers.