Nancy Hughes

Nancy Lou Hughes, 69, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts. Nancy was born on April 13, 1956, to Lily Mae Belford and Charles Kendrick in Sacramento, California. With her father in the Air Force, her family moved around from California to England to Texas, before settling in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Nancy's hobbies, passions, and character can be summed up by her deep love and appreciation of all living things. She found her purpose in caring for people, plants, and animals of all species. Her home is covered inside and out in plants ranging from small succulents to trees. She has always had a knack for reviving plants that looked unsalvageable to the untrained eye, living proof of her belief that tender care could heal anything. She would recall cherished memories from her childhood of her mother, Lily, taking in injured animals and nursing them back to health, a tradition she continued throughout her life. She cherished each creature that she crossed paths with and loved watching birds visit the feeders she put up each year, particularly the hummingbirds.

Nancy's ultimate passion in life was cooking, a skill she honed over a lifetime of dedicated practice. She loved to experiment with new recipes, new techniques, and new flavors. For her, cooking a meal for someone was the ultimate expression of love and gratitude, and for those lucky enough to share those delicious meals with her, the love was palpable.

More than anything in this world, she loved her children. They were her heart, her pride, and her purpose. Her life revolved around caring for them, supporting them, and celebrating every moment, big and small. Whether it was cooking their favorite meals or cheering them on at their games, her greatest happiness came from being their mom.

She is survived by her daughter, Camryn Hughes, and sisters, Alyce Kendrick and Barbara Kendrick. She was preceded in death by her son, Grady Kendrick Hughes, and her parents, Lily and Charles Kendrick.

Nancy's love and legacy lives on through all those who were fortunate enough to know her. No public service will be held. Instead, in her memory, she would ask that you cook a meal for someone you love, or spend time in your garden with the creatures that call it home.