BEDMINSTER-    Irene B. Hughes, 88, entered eternal life on Thursday, December 27, 2018.  She passed peacefully at her home with her family filling her heart with love.  Irene was born in Somerville to her dear parents, Julia and Frank Barna.  Raised in Raritan, she was a very proud resident of Somerset County for most of her life. 

Irene was a member of the Somerville High School class of 1949 (the ‘49er’s) and remained active in class reunions all her life.  After her husband, Ray (deceased), returned home from the Korean War, the high school sweethearts wed.  While Ray was building a local business, Irene raised four children.  She also worked alongside her husband building the company.  Irene had a beautiful and deep love of her family and friends.  She also gave selflessly throughout her entire life to charitable organizations and volunteered her time to help people and build a strong community.  Of the many organizations for which she volunteered and supported, they include the Somerville Area Jayceettes, Somerset Medical Center, American Heart Association and the Somerset County Park Foundation.  Irene and Ray were active members of Raritan Valley Country Club and served on the membership committee for many years.  As Ray was a private pilot, she had a passion for flying and a love of travel.  She was a voracious reader and spent much of her time appreciating a good book, whether to learn or simply for enjoyment.  She loved spending time with her family and dear friends at her summer home in Maine, as she also appreciated nature’s beauty.

Irene is survived by her adoring family:  her son Gregory A. Hughes, daughter Kathleen A. and husband Al Fischetti, son Mark V. Hughes, son Raymond L. and wife Christine Hughes, as well as seven grandchildren; Daniel Hughes, Matthew Hughes, Ryan Cara Hughes, Brandan Hughes, Alan Fischetti, Julianna Fischetti and Alexaray Fischetti. 

Family and friends may gather on Saturday, December 29, 2018 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at the Funeral Home, followed by an 11:00 am funeral mass at the Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament 52 W. Somerset Street, Raritan, NJ.  Entombment St. Bernard Mausoleum, Bridgewater, NJ.

 In lieu of flowers donations made be made to the American Cancer Society or the St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Hospital.

                                                                “ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS”