Dianne Hughes Obituary
Born in Pittsburgh on May 27, 1944, to the late William and Grace Bell, Dianne was a proud graduate of South Hills High School's Class of 1962. She built a distinguished professional career marked by a pioneering spirit. At United Airlines, she broke barriers as their first African American reservations agent in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Her professional life also included valued tenures at the H.J. Heinz Company and Holiday Inn.
Dianne was a woman of diverse passions and deep affections. She was a devoted mother who was actively involved in her children's education, serving in various roles including PTA president and homeroom mother. At Forbes Elementary School, she created and facilitated the annual class trip to Washington, DC. For several years, she also regularly conducted genealogy workshop presentations for students throughout the Penn Hills School District. A voracious reader, she found great joy in the pages of history and fiction. She had a profound love for music, with a special fondness for R&B and the great American standards. An avid sports fan, she passionately followed college football, her hometown Pirates and Steelers, and the WNBA. Her home was a warm and loving place, always brightened by the presence of her beloved cats.
She is preceded in death by her soulmate and husband of 56 years, Dennis A. Hughes, her parents, and multiple brothers and a sister.
She leaves behind a family to cherish her memory: her children, Michael (Carol) Hughes, Christopher (Susan) Hughes, and Elizabeth Hughes; and her treasured granddaughter, Parker Allana and her brother, Robert Bell.
Her warmth, intelligence, quick wit, and unwavering support for her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Wednesday, September 24th at White Memorial Chapel, 800 Center Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Brief memorial service and private burial to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Obama Foundation (www.obama.org/donate) or the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (pittsburghfoodbank.org/give).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
16 Entries
Sylvia King Robinson
Yesterday
I have fond memories of Diane and the Bell family as we both were residents of Beltzhoover many years ago. She was delightful and independent. My sympathy goes out to her family and those whose lives she touched.
Pearls of Sisterhood and Service
Yesterday
On behalf of the Pearls of Sisterhood and Service, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Diane Kay Hughes, especially to Elizabeth "Betsy" Hughes and Lauren Freeman.
We pray that your hearts are comforted by the love that surrounds you and the beautiful memories you hold. May God´s peace be with you in this season of loss.
With sympathy and sisterly love,
Pearls of Sisterhood and Service
Francine Blume
Yesterday
What an incredible and brilliant light. She touched myself and family with her love, her wisdom, her humor, and her joy. Our lives are better for having known her and been included in her generous circle.
Our love and condolences to Chris and Betsy, Parker and Susan, and the rest of the family. The world is a much better place for having had Diane Hughes in it.
Liz Arzt
Yesterday
Forever stunning, brilliant, and fierce. Rest in peace, Dianne.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
HONORABLE WRENNA L WATSON
Yesterday
I LOOOOOVVVE this phenomenal and oh so Beautiful woman! GOD LIFT THIS CHILD OF YOURS UNTO HEAVEN, GIVE HER ENTRANCE INTO THE KINGDOM, GIVE HER A NEW NAME WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LAMBS AND SHE ENJOYS HER RENEWAL MIND, BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT ALL BRAND NEW AND PERFECT BY GOD; SHE IS GREETED BY HER LOVING HUSBAND, DENNIS, AND ALL OF HER ANCESTORS AND SHE IS DANCING ON THE GOLDEN PAVED STREETS OF THE KINGDOM TO WHICH SHE IS AN HEIR, SMILING ON BETSY AND ALL OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS ~ IN JESUS' NAME WE PRAY. AMEN. SENDING LOVE AND PEACE.
The Honorable Wrenna L Watson
Genel Burwell
September 22, 2025
My beloved Mama Hughes as I so affectionately referred to her... Words cannot fully or adequately express the way this Divine blessing from God enriched my entire being. When my own life's journey would find me in Phoenix, Arizona where I didn't know a single person, it was "Puff Denny and Mama Hughes" that would open their hearts, their home and their family to me. The pouring and covering was so necessary as my biological mom had transitioned years prior. I am forever grateful and indebted. Every meal, every "mother/daughter" conversation, all the tears, all the laughter, all the wisdom, every family vacation, my introduction to tuna salad with curry powder (iykyk).... I could go on.... She will be dearly missed and I carry her Legacy with honor, with pride, with responsibility.
Janice (Johnson) Daniels
September 20, 2025
Dianne was my best friend! May the family receive comfort knowing how much she was loved. Should any of the family including Michael, my God son, choose to contact me, please call me on 803-292-4563. I would love to talk with you! My prayers will follow you always. Love
DeLace
September 20, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Terri (Daniels) Bracy
September 20, 2025
I send Love and Comfort to all Members of the Hughes Family.
Aunt Dianne to Me, SHE is My God-mother.
I will hold My memories of HER in My Heart always.
May SHE understand and know that SHE will ever be a part of My life journey. I Love HER so much.
So thankful for HER.
Senina woodsHarris
September 19, 2025
So sorry for your loss and what a classy lady.
Charlene Hess
September 19, 2025
Sending sympathy to you Betsy and your family. I´m so glad we got to know your Mom. She was a very special lady, and I know she will be greatly missed. I enjoyed talking to her, and listening to all her incredible stories. May she rest in peace.
Nicole Lewis
September 19, 2025
Our sincere condolences to Chris, Susan, Parker and the entire Hughes family.
The Lewis/Robinson family
James Tucker
September 19, 2025
My sincere condolences to you and your family my friend,may the good lord bless and keep you
Kari O´Driscoll
September 19, 2025
I am so grateful that I got to meet her and spend part of a weekend with her a couple of years ago. Her wit and stories and that twinkle in her eye were absolutely infectious and I am so sorry that she is no longer with you all. May her memory be a blessing.
Bridget Gray
September 19, 2025
I hadn't the pleasure of meeting your mom but if you are anything like her I know she was a phenomenal woman, and my heart goes out to you.
Bridget- UPMC
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
800 Center St, Pittsburgh, PA 15221
Make a Donation
in Dianne Hughes's name
How to support Dianne's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Dianne Hughes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
