Mary Joan Hughes' Obituary
Mary Joan Hughes, 66, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Rockville, Maryland, to her parents Ruth and Rusty Perlick, Mary Joan lived a life devoted to family, service, and nurturing others. She began her career as a receptionist at Lockheed Martin before discovering her true calling working with children. For nearly 10 years, she served as a special education assistant at Hillcrest Elementary School, where her patience, compassion, and dedication touched the lives of countless students and families.
Mary Joan's greatest joy came from her family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 45 years, Gerry Hughes; her three cherished children, Sarah, Lisa, and Jake; her adored grandchildren, Nalia and Noah, and the one she had on the way; her sons-in-law, Arshad Khan and Chace Brumley; her brother, sister and sister-in-law, Chris Perlick, Laura Perlick and Kathy Perlick; and beloved nieces and nephews.
Mary Joan was known for always having her door open and a meal on the table for anyone who needed it. Her love language was giving, and her compassion for others ran deep. Her quick wit and zest for life brought laughter and joy to anyone who got the chance to meet her. She hated rules as she always told us “Life is short.” We are reminded of that lesson now more than ever.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and the many lives she touched through her work with children and the welcoming home she opened up to all. Mary Joan will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A visitation with the family will be held on Monday, August 18th, from 11am - 1pm at Resthaven Funeral Home, 9501 Catoctin Mountain Hwy, Frederick, MD 21701.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Mary Joan's memory.
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