Katherine Read Hughes

Katherine Read Hughes was a most caring and compassionate young woman to her family and friends, and a dedicated social worker to kids in New Orleans. Katherine was born in New Orleans on December 19, 1991. She was a lifelong New Orleanian, where she resided until her peaceful passing on December 17, 2020. A beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend, Katherine was exceptionally giving and kind to all she encountered. Growing up, Katherine attended Holy Name of Jesus School where she enjoyed playing on the black top near the oak trees of her grandparents' house. There she developed a lifelong love of reading and learning, and was a passionate soccer and softball player. Katherine's bond with her father, David Hughes, was unbreakable. Their favorite activity was going fishing together. They would share countless conversations on the near-weekly drive from New Orleans to the dock. Her stepmother, Katherine Campbell Hughes, was also incredibly important to her, and the two shared a special bond over children's education and exposure to art. She will also be deeply missed by her brother, James Hughes. The two siblings grew up side by side exploring Audubon Park and learning to ride bikes and horses together. They always looked forward to Mardi Gras and the promise of teaming up to catch as many beads, spears, and stuffed animals (her favorite) as possible. Katherine was a source of light and happiness to her family her entire life. She attended the Academy of the Sacred Heart and graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in 2010 before majoring in English at LSU, graduating in 2015. She went on to receive a Master of Arts in Social Work from LSU in 2018. Katherine worked at Encore Academy of the Arts as a social worker for New Orleans youth. She cared deeply for her students and worked tirelessly to be a support to those in need. Katherine spoke about how if a child has one stable adult in their life, it can make all the difference. In recent times, she also worked with the Center for Autism and Related Disorders. Throughout her personal and professional life, Katherine advocated for those in need. She was a progressive thinker and accepted everyone for who they are. Katherine's friends were incredibly important to her. She will always be remembered for her kind and fun nature. She approached everyone with an open heart and had friends from all walks of life. She was predeceased by her mother Elizabeth Read Hughes (1955-2001), and is survived by her father David Edward Hughes, brother James Read Hughes, stepmother Katherine Campbell Hughes, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Children's Defense Fund or to The Organization for Autism Research.