Helen Hughes

Helen Edwina “Wendy” Hughes, age 78 of Rensselaer, passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at Seton Specialty Hospital in Lafayette. She was born in Harrisburg, PA on June 4, 1933, daughter of the late Edwin Bennett Hurrell and Helen Hawes Hurrell. She graduated from high school in Pennsylvania and went on to graduate from Western College for Women in Oxford, OH. On June 25, 1960 in Latrobe, PA she married her husband of over 51 years, Jerome “Jerry” Hughes, and he survives. Wendy had been a resident of Rensselaer since 1970.

Wendy was a teacher for the Rensselaer Central School Corp. for nine years, retiring in 1995. She was a community activist for young adults with Partners for a Drug-Free Jasper County and PIONEERZ. She enjoyed writing and had several short stories published in national magazines. She also enjoyed acting in community theatre. Wendy loved animals. She was a dog trainer for 15 years, an AKC German Shepherd breeder, and she also worked with horses. In her younger years, Wendy enjoyed mountain climbing, horseback riding, and tennis. Wendy was of the Catholic faith and she was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church. She sang in the choir at both the church and St. Joseph’s College.

Wendy is survived by her loving family: husband Jerry Hughes; six children: Jerome Hughes Jr. (wife: Lisa) of Valparaiso, Helen Martin (husband: Tom) of State College, PA, Susanne Garmong (husband: Todd) of Marietta, GA, Cary Hughes (wife: Donna) of Zionsville, IN, Edwina Henderson (husband: Jim) of West Lafayette, and Roderick Hughes (wife: Julie) of Indianapolis; and a sister, Peggy Huddleson (husband: Richard) of Holland, MI. Twenty-four grandchildren also survive. Wendy was preceded in death by: her parents and a sister, Barbara Stube.

Friends may call Friday, March 9, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. CST at Steinke Funeral Home in Rensselaer. A Rosary Service will be held at the funeral home at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at the St. Joseph's College Chapel on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Don Davison and Father Leonard Kostka officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.