Mary McHugh's Obituary
Mary Theresa McHugh (Nee Drexler) of Germantown, TN, passed away suddenly on the morning of Tuesday, April 16, 2013. She is survived by her loving husband Charles E. McHugh, her beloved children Irene N. McHugh (Tucson, AZ), Colin B. McHugh (Boulder, CO), Kathleen M. McHugh-Hinnell (Calgary, AB, Canada) and Andrew C. Hinnell, her adored grandchildren Abigail Theresa and Emmaline Joan Hinnell, and her dearly loved twin brother Michael F. Drexler (Vernon, VT). She was predeceased by her devoted brothers, Charles J. Drexler and Robert J. Drexler. Mary was born on September 16, 1945 to Joseph John Drexler, Jr. and Teresa Rosalie Drexler in Paterson, NJ. The strong faith of her parents was instrumental in developing her own relationship with Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, as a rock she leaned on throughout life. Her early years in Girl Scouting were formative and further influenced her outlook on life. Her love of children and teaching led her to her studies at Fordham University; graduating with a degree in Education. As a postgraduate at Seton Hall University, she earned a Masters in Mathematics. She taught high school and college Mathematics for a number of years. After her marriage to Charles, she devoted herself to her family and the raising of their three children whom she cherished. She instilled in them a love of nature and a thirst for knowledge, and infused their lives with a playful enjoyment. She valued the time with her grandchildren. The gift of her time and love of her family will be treasured always. In her career she devoted her major efforts to Girl Scouting in Oregon, New Jersey and Tennessee. She was always happy to teach children new skills, love for nature and the great outdoors, and respect for God’s creation. After retiring from Girl Scouting, she worked to help those in need through the Holy Spirit Food Pantry. She worked to fill people’s needs and gave them a hug to send them home with their groceries and a prayer. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Birthright of Memphis (www.birthrightofmemphis.org/donate.htm) or Girl Scouts Heart of the South Council – Campership program (girlscoutshs.sitewrench.com/makeadonation). These are two of her favorite benevolent organizations supporting young women. A viewing will be held at Church of the Holy Spirit in Memphis, TN on April 19 at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 10 a.m. A memorial mass will be held in Midland Park, NJ on Monday, April 22 at the Church of the Nativity with burial following at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa, NJ. Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, (901)767-8930, “Behind the Stone Wall”.
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