Elaine M. Hughes, 70

DOVER - Elaine M. Hughes of Dover died Saturday, June 23, 2007, in the University of Maryland Shock-Trauma Center in Baltimore. She was 70.

Born in Holyoke, Mass., she was the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Rhea Leah Baron.

Mrs. Hughes moved to Dover in 1968 and since that time has been an active member of Holy Cross Church.

Active in cub scouting throughout the years, she served as a den mother for Pack 154 and often participated in her childrens" activities.

Mrs. Hughes enjoyed cake decorating and possessed a unique ability of being able to prepare a family meal for 30 in a precise and timely manner.

Throughout her adult life, her priorities were her children and - in recent years - her grandchildren.

A gentle and kind woman, she will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Robert M. Hughes, in 2001; and her brother, Richard Baron.

Mrs. Hughes is survived by three sons, Michael R. of Dover, Joseph A. of Felton, and Kevin F. of Temple, Texas; five daughters, Mary Ann Hughes-Muenchow of Newark, Kathleen "Kay" Hughes and Theresa A. Hughes-Vander-Schel, both of Dover, Jacqueline Abbott of Houston and Julia Hughes-Gillespie of Nampa, Idaho; 22 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Funeral Home of Michael J. Ambruso, 1175 S. State St., Dover.

Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Friday in Holy Cross Church, S. State St., Dover.

Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover.