Martha McHugh

It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Martha Cecilia McHugh (nee O'Neill) on June 19, 2024, who lived a remarkable and fulfilling life for over a century.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, John P. McHugh, Martha was the loving mother of John P. McHugh (Rosanne), Mary Ellen Quindlen (Jack), and Kathleen A. Patt (Dan), proud grandmother of Jack Quindlen (Franklyn), Julia Hotek (Kiefer), Laura McHugh, John McHugh, Caitlin Patt, Daniel Patt, and Megan Patt, cherished great-grandmother of Samantha Hotek, and aunt to many nieces and nephews. Martha was predeceased by siblings Thomas O'Neill, Mary Bisio, Catherine McCool, Hugh F. O'Neill, Hugh V. O'Neill, Francis O'Neill, James O'Neill, and Theresa Parker.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1922, Martha was the daughter of Irish immigrants Hugh and Catherine O'Neill (nee Browne). After graduating from Wilmington High School at the beginning of World War II and declining a scholarship to the University of Delaware to assist in the financial support of her large family, she worked as an executive secretary for many prominent Wilmington companies including Pusey and Jones, All American Aviation, and General Motors, and, later, at CALECO in West Chester, Pennsylvania, for over ten years until her retirement.

She met her dear husband, Jack McHugh, at the Jersey shore, and they were married for over forty years until his death in 1992. After their wedding they moved to Delaware County, Pennsylvania, where Martha lived in Springfield for over forty-five years and was an active parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi. In later years, she resided at Granite Farm Estates in Media for twenty-two years, and enjoyed traveling, playing Pinochle, Bridge, and Wii Bowling, watching PBS and the Phillies, and spending time with family and friends. Martha was an avid and voracious reader all her life, especially of historical fiction. She was a devout Catholic and had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. Martha and her husband Jack instilled the importance of faith, family, education, and a strong work ethic in their children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her remarkable intellect, resolute determination, unwavering faith, and her love for, and dedication to, her family.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Thursday, June 27, 2024 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 136 Saxer Avenue, Springfield, PA, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment St. Peter and Paul Cemetery.