Nora Christine Hughes

Nora Hughes, age 78, passed away peacefully on November 29 knowing she was loved by friends and family. Nora was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and caring friend. She had a way of making each person feel loved and appreciated.

Nora grew up on the shores of her beloved Lake Winnebago in Neenah, Wisconsin. She attended Neenah high school where she earned the Rotary Scholarship and many other honors. Nora graduated from the University of Wisconsin and made lifelong friends at the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. 4 years later, Nora married Steve Hughes, and they enjoyed 54 years of a wonderful marriage. 

Steve’s career took them to Portland Oregon where their 2 daughters, Laura and Sarah were born. There were subsequent moves to Villanova, Pennsylvania, and Atlanta in 1985. Nora was a gifted elementary school teacher who loved working with children. She spent many hours volunteering at her daughters’ classrooms at the Trinity School and Pace Academy. Nora also had a rich spiritual life, and she loved sharing that as a Sunday School teacher her at Holy Innocents.

Nora loved spending time outdoors and maintained a beautiful garden. She loved animals, especially the labrador retrievers that they raised. Nora was a gracious hostess, and her home was the hub for good food, festive gatherings and good cheer.

At age 54, Nora suffered a stroke. Speech became a challenge, but with resilience and strength, Nora persevered. She refused to let her limitations define her. Instead, her huge heart and determination were an inspiration to all who she encountered. Nora and Steve loved traveling. They made many wonderful friends on their many trips to Europe, and they also were able to make the long trips to Africa and Australia.

Nora was predeceased by her daughter, Sarah Hughes, her brother Dave Thomsen, and her sister Nancy Brown. In addition to her husband, Nora is survived by her daughter, Laura Poppink and her family of Cascais Portugal. A memorial service is planned for 11:00on Saturday February 14 at the historic Pace House on Paces Ferry Rd. in Vinings. Donations honoring Nora can be sent to Zoo Atlanta, Cobb County Library Foundation, or the Vinings Cumberland Rotary Club Charity Fund.