Phyllis Hughes

WEBSTER

Phyllis M. Hughes, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, following a medical episode. She was 78.

Phyllis was born and raised in Thompson, Connecticut, one of three children of the late Leo W. Chenard, Sr. and Priscilla (Bordeleau) Chenard. She attended St. Joseph's Catholic School and Tourtellotte Memorial High School in Thompson. She was the loving wife of the late Paul W. Hughes, who passed away in 2019. Phyllis and Paul shared a favorite story of how their love began: as a young girl, Phyllis loved riding horses, and one day while out riding, she came upon Paul hitchhiking. That chance meeting marked the beginning of a beautiful 53-year marriage. Together they made their home in Webster.

Phyllis was known for her quirky, outgoing, and lovable personality. For more than 30 years, she brought warmth and friendly conversation to countless customers while working at Big D and later Price Chopper grocery stores in Webster. She especially loved holidays-most of all Halloween and the Fourth of July-and could always be counted on to go all out with festive lawn decorations and themed attire. Phyllis also enjoyed traveling with Paul in his Model A to local auto shows and swap meets, where they searched for parts and enjoyed time with friends.

A longtime member of Tri-State Baptist Church, Phyllis' family takes comfort knowing that she was secure in her faith and is now safe in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior.

Phyllis is survived by her son, Patrick J. Hughes, and his wife, Jill; two grandchildren, Bruce and Brenda Dautrich; and three great-grandchildren, Bruce, Eva, and Hailey, who will dearly miss their Great-Grandma Phyllis. She also leaves behind her extended Hughes family, whom she loved and cherished time with. She was predeceased by her siblings, Eloria Presby and Leo Chenard, Jr.

Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, at Tri-State Baptist Church, 386 Quinebaug Road, North Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., prior to the service. Phyllis will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Paul at East Thompson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made in Phyllis' name to the Tri-State Baptist Church Building Fund, 386 Quinebaug Road, North Grosvenor Dale, CT 06255.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532. To share a condolence or memory with the family, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com

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