Carol Ann (Kirchner) Hughes

CAROL ANN HUGHES

Carol Ann Hughes, 68, of Elizabethtown, entered into eternal rest on August 24, 2013 after a 3-year battle with cancer. She and her husband Joseph were to celebrate their 47 ^th wedding anniversary on September 3 ^rd . Born on May 16, 1945 in the Cabbage Hill area of Lancaster, PA, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Mary (Rampulla) Kirchner. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Parochial School, Lancaster Catholic HS (1963), and Millersville State Teacher’s College (1967). She taught briefly at Smoketown Elementary School before devoting her life to family, church, and community. In addition to her husband, Joseph David Hughes, she is survived by her six children, Christina Marie (fiancée of Joshua Martin) of Las Vegas, NV, Cynthia Lee (wife of Jeffrey Biles) of Alburtis, PA, Joseph David, Jr (husband of Shannon Claffey) of Lancaster, Catherine Mary (wife of John Basiago) of Baltimore, MD, Caryn Elizabeth of Elizabethtown, and Jason Edward (husband of Brenda Scheaffer) of Maytown; her seventeen grandchildren; her sister Jean Marie Robertson of Lancaster and three brothers, Edward William Kirchner (husband of MaryAnn Greiner), Carl Anthony Kirchner, and Roger Lee Kirchner (husband of Judy Darrenkamp). Her youngest sibling, Alan Francis Kirchner, preceded Carol in death.

Carol’s life was dedicated to volunteerism in the community and church. Within the community, she devoted countless hours to the Rheems Athletic Association as fundraising chair and concession stand manager, the Girl Scouts as neighborhood cookie chairman and troop leader, the Boy Scouts as den mother and committee member, Rheems Elementary School as room mother for her children and grandchildren, and Welcome Wagon as committee member and president. She also served on many boards including the Elizabethtown Child Care Center, Friends of the Library, and Public Library Book Sale. She enjoyed participating in the World Day of Prayer as a committee member and volunteering for the Pastoral Care Department at Elizabethtown’s Masonic Village as well as at St. Joseph’s in Lancaster. Within St. Peter’s Catholic Church of Elizabethtown, Carol was a beacon of faith and service. She originated, led, and devoted herself to numerous groups. Those programs touched by Carol’s service included the Nursery Program, Eucharistic Ministry to the Sick, “Goldies”(a group for parishioners over 60), “Red Belles” (a Red Hat group for women), the parish Prayer Chain, weekly Rosary Group, church cleaning crew, funeral luncheon committee, Parish Council (as member and secretary), Council of Catholic Women (as president), For Pete’s Sake Fair, and various other church committees. The Bereavement Team held a special place in her heart. Carol was a dedicated advocate for women and families in need. She especially loved working with the children in the parish in various roles including founder and leader of the Handmaids of Marian group, director of the Children’s Choir, CCD teacher, CCD Co-Coordinator, and Vacation Bible School teacher.

Carol inspired everyone through her infinite kindness, compassion, and selflessness. Her friends referred to her as an “angel on earth”. Family was of paramount importance to her. No one ever left her house unfed. She adored spending time playing games with and doting on her grandchildren. One of her greatest passions was singing in the church choir. Carol will be lovingly missed by her entire family and her many friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 904 Mill Road Elizabethtown, PA, with Rev. Father David L. Danneker as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Peter Catholic Church Cemetery.

Viewings will be from 6:30pm until 8:30pm on Friday, August 30, 2013 in the church, with a Rosary service beginning at 8:30pm and from 9:30am until 10:30am on Saturday, August 31, 2013 in the church.

Arrangements are under the care of the Miller-Sekely Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Elizabethtown. www.millerfuneralhome.com.

Kindly omit flowers. Remembrances can be made in Carol’s name to a charity of your choice, the St. Peter’s Preservation Fund, 1840 Marshall Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or Hospice & Community Care of Lancaster County Post Office Box 4125 Lancaster, PA 17604.