Arlene Helen Hughes

Arlene Helen Hughes (née Buck), 88, of Sea Girt, NJ, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, at Riverview Medical Center. Born on September 2, 1937, in Perth Amboy, NJ, Arlene was the eldest of four sisters. Arlene was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

After graduating from Perth Amboy High School, Arlene began her career as a legal assistant, where she met her future husband, Patrick Hughes, a CPA working in the same building. Married in 1960, Arlene and Pat shared a loving and supportive marriage for nearly 60 years, until Pat’s passing in 2019.

Together, they raised two children, Maureen and James, in Branchburg, NJ. The family embraced country living, surrounded by horse farms and a welcoming community. Acacia Pool Club and St. Bernard’s Catholic Church became central to their social life. It was there Arlene formed lifelong friendships with Marge Olympio (McMahon), Marge Schofield, Dodie Loughlin, Pat Hume (Thatcher), and many others. She frequently hosted Women’s Club meetings, Gourmet Club dinners, and spirited bridge games in their home on Lamington Road.

Above all, Arlene was a devoted mother. She was deeply involved in her children’s academic and extracurricular lives—checking homework, volunteering, and cheering from the sidelines at countless sporting events.

When her children went off to college, Arlene returned to school herself, earning an Associate’s Degree with high honors in Art History from Somerset County College. A talented and creative spirit, she became an avid painter and used her remarkable writing skills as a journalist for the local newspaper. Her final professional roles included working as a real estate agent and later as an Administrative Assistant to the Sales Vice President at Ethicon, where she was admired for her wit and efficiency.

In retirement, Arlene and Pat enjoyed traveling, reconnecting with friends, and spending time with their grandchildren and grand-dogs. After moving to Sea Girt, NJ, Arlene cherished being near the ocean, which brought her peace. She was grateful for her dear Ashford Manor friends, Peggy and Judy, who included her in social outings—often accompanied by her favorite coffee chocolate chip ice cream.

Arlene amazed many with her memory and intellect—she could name every U.S. state capital, solve the New York Times crossword, and recall historical facts better than any search engine. Her kind heart, selflessness, sharp sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to her family will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Maureen; her son, James; her grandchildren, Dylan, James, and Brielle; her step-grandchildren, Larson and Trevor; her step-great-grandchildren, Logan, Harley and Emma and her sisters, Harriet and Helene. She was preceded in death by her husband, Patrick; her parents, Josephine and Steven; her sister, Merle; her son, John Patrick; and her son-in-law, John.

Visitation will be held at Damiano Funeral Home in Long Branch, NJ, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 9:30 AM at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in West End, Long Branch, NJ followed by burial at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Long Branch, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John K. Lloyd Nursing Scholarship at Riverview Medical Center. 

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