Mary Catherine “Polly” Hughes, 89, of Lewiston, NY, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, at Our Lady of Peace nursing care residence. Born in Niagara Falls, she was the beloved daughter of the late John and Mary (Wilson) Savage and the devoted wife of the late Robert J. Hughes, U.S. Navy Retired Master Chief Petty Officer, whom she married on June 15, 1957, at Sacred Heart Church.
A graduate of Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s High School, Polly began her career as a head bookkeeper at Marine Midland Bank. She later stepped away from her profession to raise her beloved children before returning to manage Twin Fair, and later Gold Circle prior to her retirement.
A devout Catholic, Polly was a former parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Niagara Falls, and a current parishioner of St. Peter’s Church in Lewiston. Her faith and family were always at the heart of her life.
Polly had a deep love for reading with a particular passion for Civil War history, and she never missed an opportunity to watch reruns of Gunsmoke or any Western. She found great meaning in preserving family heritage through grave markers and took great pride in honoring those who passed before her. One of her most endearing memories was having a cow named after her, Mary Jesus, in Big Rapids, MI, a testament to the fondness she inspired in those around her. Above all, Polly cherished the time spent with her family, especially her granddogs of which she had many over the years. She never met a dog that didn’t like her.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of O.L.P. for their compassionate care and kindness toward Polly during her brief time there. A special thank you to her dedicated home nurse, Kim Simpson of Amedisys Home Health Care, whose support meant so much, and a sincere appreciation to Rev. Cassandra Salter-Smith for quickly arranging the administration of the Last Rites of the Catholic Church, ensuring Polly received this sacred blessing.
Polly is survived by her children, U.S. Army Retired Lieutenant Colonel, Robert L. (Mary), Kevin (Pamela), U.S. Army Retired Chief Warrant Officer 5, Keith (Julie), Kristin, and Thomas (Lori) Hughes; her grandchildren Patrick (Kristine), Kyle (Heather), John (Emily), Kerry (fiancé Dean), and Braedon; two great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Connor; her brothers-in-law, Thomas (late Sharon) and W. John Hughes; her special cousin, Norman Machelor and her special friend, Michelle Siegmann, as well as four nieces and three nephews. Polly was sadly the last survivor of the Savage and Wilson families of her generation. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her infant brother, Robert and her brother, John (Helen) Savage.
Visitation will be Wednesday, June 4 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at St. Peter’s Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY 14092, where Polly’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial offerings may be made to the Niagara County SPCA or the restoration fund of the historic Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica. Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, Niagara Falls, NY. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com to share condolences.SERVICES
Visitation
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
St. Peter’s Church
620 Center Street
Lewiston, NY 14092
Get Directions on Google Maps
Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, June 04, 2025
12:00 PM
St. Peter’s Church
620 Center Street
Lewiston, NY 14092
Get Directions on Google Maps