Audrey Ann Mc Hugh

On February 2, 2026 God answered Audrey Mc Hugh's prayer to be "beamed up". She was surrounded by the love of those with her and the love of all who knew her. Audrey possessed a quiet strength, quick but subtle sense of humor, genuine interest in others, true kindness and a deep love of family that will be missed beyond measure. Making a difference in the world mattered to Audrey. She showed that throughout her life in her unassuming and humble way.

Audrey was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, to George and Dorothy (Lang) Mc Ginnis. She attended St. Therese School through 8th grade. After graduating from Appleton West High School in 1949, she attended the St. Vincent School of Nursing for Infant/Child Care. She later attended Appleton Technical College for secretarial training. She had varied career experiences, which included clinical training at St. Vincent's Orphanage in Chicago, serving as a nanny in Chicago, clerical work at St. Elizabeth's Hospital and at the McBain/Laird Associates Medical Clinic. In 1954 she and Thomas Mc Hugh were married. During the time of raising their five children she no longer worked out of their home, but continued serving others, as a Girl Scout Leader, Den Mother, Co-president of Sacred Heart Home and School and Treasurer of the Appleton Jaycettes. Eventually, Audrey returned to the "out of home" workforce and began a long career at Prange's, which later became Younkers. She worked as a Sales Associate in several departments, as well as an Assistant Merchandiser. She truly enjoyed her job, especially the aspect of helping others, developing friendships with coworkers, and that employee discount was nice, too!

Prior to her retirement from Younkers, Audrey found ways to spend quality time with her grandchildren, but retirement allowed her even more time to watch sports, dance, and gymnastics, attend school programs, bake, do crafts, have picnics, have sleepovers, celebrate holidays in special ways, etc., with her 11 grandchildren. Although she was slowing down a bit, when her great-grandchildren arrived, she truly loved her opportunities to spend time with them as well.

Audrey also found time to impact the lives of many other children by volunteering at two of her daughters' schools as a field trip supervisor, a literacy tutor and assisting special needs students. She shared much of her time helping students in Columbus School and Horizons School in Appleton. She often said how much she enjoyed working with the students and they, of course, also enjoyed working with her.

Audrey was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 68 years, Thomas J. Mc Hugh, her parents, George and Dorothy (Lang) McGinnis, her brother, Jack (Therese) McGinnis and her "Golden Girl" cousin and friend, Mary Ellen Schwaller. Audrey is survived by her children Tim (Leigh) Mc Hugh, Mary Kay (Gary) Ludwig, Brian (Mary Beth) Mc Hugh, Colleen (Vern) Mc Hugh-Moore and Kelly Mc Hugh. She is further survived by her grandchildren Stephanie (Dan) Hoernke, Grady McHugh, Abby Mc Hugh, Sean Ludwig, Brad Ludwig, Tom (Amanda) Mc Hugh, Caitlin (Brett) Ebben, Mitchell (Haley) Mc Hugh, Moria (fiance Matt Dey) Mc Hugh, Tiernan (Samantha) Moore, Brennan Moore, great-grandchildren Ella, Gabe, Quinn, Olivia, Colton, Brynlee, Haisley, Cohen, Lydia, Lucile and a baby boy on the way. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and a third "Golden Girl", her cousin and friend, Delores "Little D" Mc Hugh.

Audrey's family extends its deepest appreciation to the staff at the Heritage/Peabody Senior Living Center, Rebecca Philpot, PA, as well as the Theda Care Hospice team for the care and compassion they provided to Audrey. From kind, compassionate, laughter-filled care to fun activities (especially BINGO), great food and a clean, safe, beautifully decorated environment, Audrey's family could not have found a better place for her to finish her journey here on earth.

Funeral Services for Audrey will be held at 11 AM, Sat. Feb. 14, 2026, at Brettschneider Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel with Deacon Gerry Schraufnagel officiating. Friends may visit the family from 9 AM until the time of service. Interment will be at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to Shriners Hospital or Saint Judes Hospital, please.

"May she rest in gentle heavenly peace until we meet again."