Monica Mae Hughes

Monica Mae Hughes

Monica Hughes Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 31 to Apr. 1, 2009.
HUGHES, Monica Mae After a courageous six-year battle with cancer (melanoma), died with family and friends at her side in Ottawa General Hospital on Monday. She was in her forty-ninth year. Monica is the beloved daughter of Thelma and the late Douglas Hughes; sister of John (Sheree); Kathy; Rick (Audrey) and Russell (Gail). She was dear aunt to Connor, Lindsay, Lee, Nicole and Rebecca. She will also be lovingly remembered by special friend Greg Beck. Monica lived with a love of music and was a member of the Notre Dame Cathedral Choir, Cantata Singers and active in the Ottawa choral scene. Heartfelt thanks to Drs. Verma and Eapen at the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Clinic for their care over the past few years. Visitation is Wednesday, April 1 at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa, from 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral mass will be at Notre Dame Cathedral, 385 Sussex Drive (corner of Sussex and St. Patrick Streets), Ottawa on Thursday, April 2 at 10:30 a.m. There will be a reception after the funeral at the Cathedral. All are welcome. Interment will be Friday, April 3 at 11 a.m. at Cote Des Neiges Cemetery in Montreal. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. We invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family at www.mem.com

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Sign Monica Hughes's Guest Book

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October 5, 2009

Debbie Wolfenden posted to the memorial.

April 2, 2009

Barbara Robinson posted to the memorial.

April 1, 2009

Joan Charron posted to the memorial.

14 Entries

Debbie Wolfenden

October 5, 2009

I only recently found out about Monica's passing and I am truly saddened by the loss, and I pass on my sympathies to the Hughes family and friends. Her love of music is forever stuck in my memory as she walked about the house singing loudly - and in particular while cooking. As my roomate for several years, you could not mistake her passion for singing or her family (especially visiting Kathy for getaway weekends and buying gifts for family). Although we did not stay in touch, I have fond memories of our time sharing a home. My warmest memories and sympathies to all who were touched by her.

Debbie Wolfenden, Ottawa

Barbara Robinson

April 2, 2009

I knew Monica through ACR and although I did not work with her directly she was always lovely to me whenever I passed through the office. We would chat briefly about the conditions of the canal or family visiting or just about anything really. I liked her openess and kindness and wit. Visits to ACR will not be the same. I extend my deepest sympathies to Monica's family and to all of her friends and colleagues at ACR. My thoughts are with you, and with Monica.

Joan Charron

April 1, 2009

To Thelma and all of the family - Please accept my sincerest condolences. Monica was much too young to leave us but she is now free of pain and in a much better place. May your family be spared further sorrow.

Jackie Quinn

April 1, 2009

It was Monica who taught me that us 'petite' women shouldn't be afraid of funky bold jewelry and that it's worth spending the money on a really great pair of shoes. The Wednesday Night gang would never have been the same without Monica's alter-ego "Quaid". It was Quaid who explained to me what was so funny about a 2-headed cyclops. Thanks Monica, for everything. My life is a big larger for having met Monica, and now it's a bit less because she's gone from us.

Mary Bond

March 31, 2009

I have wonderful memories of singing beside Monica in the NAC chorus. I was happy she had the chance to go to Rome with the Basilica choir. She was a good friend for many of us and a great voice. She will be missed.

Suzan Zilahi

March 31, 2009

I had the great fortune to come to know Monica through her work at ACR. Her intelligence, gift of the English language and great love of music deeply touched me. Monica became a tremendous emotional support for many of us at the Ottawa Chamber Music Society. Come festival time she would stay late into the wee hours of the morning to help us proof the annual program book. She was so brave and encouraging during her illness. When I went through a very difficult time two years ago while she was in the hospital, she took the time to express her concern for me. I am indeed lucky to call Monica a friend.

Nadja Corkum

March 31, 2009

My first meeting with Monica took place during a job interview with our company that she had requested. Hearing my discouraging words about our lack of an opening, she leaned forward and asked me "What do I have to do to get a position here?" I was taken aback, but quickly replied "Learn everything you can about writing for the Web; then contact us."
Approximately 8 months later she came up to me during an intermission at the National Arts Centre: "I have done as you said: I now know everything about writing for the Web." She joined us in December 1999 and remained till last autumn.
When illness struck, Monica faced the challenge the same way: she found out what she needed to do, and then did it. Watching that battle -- her courage, her refusal to give in or cut herself some slack, and to laugh and sing as frequently as ever -- was a continual inspiration to us all. We'll remember that performance when the time comes to face our own challenges in the future.
Monica, we'll never forget you. And, speaking personally, each time I hear choral music, especially the older pieces you introduced me to, I will think of you and thank you for adding that dimension to my life.
You left us all a wonderful legacy.

Christiane Buchanan

March 31, 2009

My sincere condolences to Monica's family. My prayers and my thoughts are with you.
I worked with Monica and I will always remember her smile, her gentle ways, her concern for others and her love of music.
She is in a special place.

Brad Barnes

March 31, 2009

My sincere condolences to Monica's family and friends. I will always have fond memories of Monica not only for her wonderful voice but also for her ability to light up a room with her smile, laughter, and positive energy.

"I walked a mile with Sorrow And ne'er a word said she; But, oh, the things I learned from her When Sorrow walked with me"

Mary Boland

March 31, 2009

Remembering Monica on Mt. Martin, facing a tough little hike with determination and courage. When she needed our help she accepted it with grace and we were rewarded with that wonderful, joyous laugh. My heart goes out to all who mourn her death - beyond the sorrow her spirit will be with each of you always.

Monica ready to leave for the Vatican

March 31, 2009

Cherry Stobie

March 31, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you all at such a sad time, I will always remember Monica as being the bravest of souls though such a trying period in her life acepting her illness with such grace and courage.

She was so proud of you all, we shall miss her very much.

Sheron Cooke

March 31, 2009

My sincere condolences to Monica's family...I worked with her for many years at CJOH/CTV Ottawa and my fondest memories of her are her contagious laugh and her great sense of humour...She will be missed by all.

Liette Guérin

March 31, 2009

My deepest condolences to Monica's family. I worked with Monica at ACR since she began here. I knew her as a very strong woman, who had incredible love for her family, her friends and her singing... and her car! Her pain is gone, but her voice remains in our hearts.

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Sign Monica Hughes's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 5, 2009

Debbie Wolfenden posted to the memorial.

April 2, 2009

Barbara Robinson posted to the memorial.

April 1, 2009

Joan Charron posted to the memorial.