Barbara A. McHugh

Our Matriarch, Barbara A. McHugh, age 87, of Cokesbury Village, Hockessin died Monday afternoon, July 25, 2022, surrounded by her 6 daughters. In her view, love and family were the measure of a life well lived, and by that measure she was incredibly wealthy.

Barbara was born in 1935 in Bridgeport, Connecticut and grew up in Norristown, Pennsylvania. She was a graduate of Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital in Lansdown, Pennsylvania, class of 1955. She received her BA at the University of Detroit in 1975 and a Master of Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1979, while raising seven children. As a lifelong learner she also earned a degree in Pastoral Studies through Loyola University, Institute for Ministry in 2007 and attended numerous classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware in her later years. Barbara was an avid reader and had a true love of learning.

Barbara retired as Associate Administrator at the A. I. Dupont Hospital for Children in 2000 after 18 years of service. Prior work experience includes her work as a Social Research Associate in the Rehabilitation Planning Office at the UNC Medical School in Chapel Hill, NC.

Barbara’s life was defined by her dedication to her family, her faith, and her service to others. While her children were young, she served as President of Mother of Twins Club as well as serving as a Girl Scout leader in Detroit, Michigan. In 1979 she served as President of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses and continued her work with the Council of Leaders of the Association of Rehabilitation of Nurses through 2013. She served as Editor of Rehabilitation Nurses Journal from 1980 to 1985. While living at Cokesbury she continued to serve by becoming a Delaware Hospice Volunteer as well as a Pastoral Care Volunteer. She was the Chair of the Spiritual Life Committee and served on numerous other committees at Cokesbury Village. She was an integral part of her Cokesbury community.

Barbara took great pride in her Irish heritage and traveled extensively through Ireland with her beloved husband, Jim, on numerous occasions. They were both members of the New Castle County Irish Society and loved performing in the Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day parade. Barbara loved being outside and spent as much time as she could surrounded by nature no matter where she was in the world.

Barbara was proceeded in death by her husband of 56 years, James T. McHugh in 2012. She is survived by her children: Kathleen McHugh, Durham, NC, Karin Miller (Bobby), Salisbury, MD, Joan Nicholas (Tom), Citrus Heights, CA, Jean Farmer, Garland, TX, Kevin McHugh (Gaela), Mebane, NC, Deidre Mitchelli (Doug), Forked River, NJ, and Jacquelynn McHugh Simon (Jean-Jacques), Kennett Square, PA. She is the proud grandmother of 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 30 at 3:00 p. m. at Cokesbury Village, 726 Loveville Road, Hockessin, Delaware. Reception to follow the ceremony at Cokesbury Village.

Memorial contributions may be made to the ACTS Legacy Foundation, memo: Cokesbury Village Community Enrichment Fund, 726 Loveville Road, Hockessin, Delaware 19707.