Obituary of Frances Elizabeth Hughes

Frances Elizabeth Hughes, 77 of New Ross, passed away unexpectedly on October 12, 2021 in the Valley Regional Hospital. She was the daughter of the late John James and Elizabeth Mitchell Barrie of Florence.

Frances Elizabeth Hughes, often known to locals and family as Betty, departed this earthly world.  She was a determined, kind hearted soul with a hardened exterior who often spoke her mind. She appreciated people being genuine in their words and their actions. However, once you truly got to know her, she was a loving soul, sister, mother, grandmother and friend. Her true passion was knitting, bread making and her ultimate favorite, the baking of molasses cookies to give away to family and friends at holidays.  She did this for so many years, it turned into a tradition, even sending some to North Carolina. The favorite knitting hobby provided many family members with numerous Afghan blankets, sweaters, mittens and hats over the years.

In her early years, she departed Cape Breton for Toronto where she remained for some time.  She then moved back to Nova Scotia where she remained until God called her home.  She worked at fish plants in Cape Breton, the former Formex plant in the Valley, she made annual Christmas wreaths for many years and perhaps the ultimate job was an being an essential worker – a mother, grandmother and homemaker. She would open her home to family members and friends who needed a place to stay during their visits and work time in New Ross.  She loved all of her children by the sheer fact of distance, missed them all, but held them equally in her heart. She helped instill strong values, honesty and integrity in her daughter which has served her well.

During the final years, she was a caregiver to her long-life companion while putting her health aside. She seemed always to be a caregiver to someone which is why after the deterioration of her health, she became frustrated and perhaps lost her “spunk”.  She cherished and enjoyed visits from her daughter and grandchildren and understood that those visits were precious and time that would be forever lost.  Over the last year, after losing her long-time companion, she welcomed visits and phone calls from people with a genuine and honest heart. Her influence will forever remain in the hearts and minds of those who knew her.

“Do what’s right and do what’s good. Be kind and help others.

The world can always use one more, kind person”

Left to cherish her beautiful soul are daughters, Monica Hughes McVicker of Lumberton North Carolina, USA; Doris Hughes of Dayspring; son, John Lester Barrie (Cyndy) of Collingwood, ON; sisters, Ann Bernon of Florence; Leah (Leo) Toupin of Thompson Manitoba; brothers, Mel (Terry) Barrie of Kitchener, ON; Tom (Barb) Brandon of Manitoba; sister-in-law, Paulette (Karl) Ernst of Tantallon; grandchildren Sarah Leslie McVicker of Huntington Beach, California; Daniel McVicker of Lumberton, North Carolina; Kayla Barrie of Collingwood, ON; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Frances was predeceased by long-time companion, Edward Brake and husband, Lester Hughes.

The Funeral Service will take place in the New Ross Chapel on October 17, 2021 at 12:30, with interment at the Christ Church Anglican Cemetery. Service will be streamed via Facebook live, YouTube live, and vehicle audio is available onsite. Flowers welcome. Memorial donations may be made to New Ross Trail Society with the distinction specifically for Ruby’s Trail, New Ross. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home New Ross Funeral Chapel, 4935 Hwy #12, New Ross, B0J 2M0 (902-689-2961).