Hattie Marie Hyman hughes

Hattie Marie Hyman-Hughes creator of The Fremont Bank Foundation, and past Executive Vice President and Board Member of Fremont Bank in Fremont, California died of lymphoma complications on Thursday, June 29, 2023. Hattie will be remembered as a loving homemaker, advocate for philanthropy, and building relationships which would strengthen the community to improve the lives of others.
Hattie was born in Opelousas, LA on December 28, 1943 to Morris and Alvirda Hyman. She was the first of their three children. She is preceded in death by husband Dennis Hughes after 54 years of marriage, and son Paul Hughes who passed away at age 44.
As a graduate from San Jose State University with a degree in Recreation, she worked organizing youth camps, substitute teaching, and finding host families for Japanese exchange students before being recruited by her father to start The Fremont Bank Foundation. Her advocacy became instrumental in growing the Foundation to provide funding for the Hyman Hall at Ohlone College, the Alvirda Hyman Adult Education Center, the Conrad Anderson Auditorium and Morris Hyman Critical Care Pavillion at Washington Hospital, the George Silliman Aquatic Center in Newark, Fremont Bank Aqua Adventures Water Park in Fremont, Abode Services Bridgeway East Transitional Housing, the Fremont Bank Green at Cal State East Bay, the California Trail Grizzly Exhibit at the Oakland Zoo, and funding numerous other projects in the areas of health and human services, education, and the arts. The Foundation has won numerous awards and recognition as a top philanthropic organization in the San Francisco area under her stewardship. During her career, she started the Women's Leadership Program at Fremont Bank to foster career advancement.
Hattie loved people and life. She sparkled anytime someone came to see her. Joy was brought to her when playing Bridge, Tetherball, Ping Pong, singing camp songs, attending Mardi Gras and pot lucks, or creating scrap books and crafts, but mostly she enjoyed shopping with her friends.
Hattie is survived by her loving son, Brian Hughes and his wife Theresa, granddaughter Heather Marie Hughes, beloved step-granddaughter Jessika Williamson, step-great grandchildren Isabella Gamboa and Joel Hawkins, Jr.; eldest surviving brother Alan Hyman and wife Sonja, niece Alexis Hyman-Stauffer and husband Matthew, great-nephews Nickolas and Alexander Stauffer, and Natalja Hyman-Correa and her husband Eduardo, great-niece Alanija Correa, and great-nephew Christijan Correa; and her surviving baby brother Howard Hyman and his wife Lisa, nephew Benjamin Hyman and his wife Lily.
For those who knew Hattie, a public Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00pm, Monday, July 17, 2023, at Harbor Light Church, 4760 Thornton Ave., Fremont, CA 94536. In honor of Hattie's legacy, bold and colorful attire are welcome. The family requests remembrance contributions be made to Abode Services or the elephant program at the Oakland Zoo. For further information, please contact Berge-Pappas-Smith Chapel of the Angels Mortuary at (510) 656-1226.