Carol Wallace Hughes

Carol Wallace Hughes, 79, of Pittsburgh, died on June 12, 2021. Born on May 22, 1942 in San Francisco, the first child of Roy S. and Anne Wallace. She spent her childhood in San Marino, California until the family moved to Bronxville, NY where she graduated from Bronxville High School in 1960.  Carol graduated from Vassar College in 1964, and went on to get a Masters in Social Work from the University of Chicago in 1966. While in Chicago she went on a blind date with an Irishman named Sean Hughes who, in 1966, would become her husband for almost 55 years. In 1969, they moved to Pittsburgh for Sean’s professorship at Pitt.

Carol was a welcoming and warm mother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, great aunt, and absolutely loved being grandma “Kayo” to her grandchildren. She and her husband Sean created a life and circle of friends that provided many treasured traditions and memories. She was a mentor and “second mom” to many. Her large family and circle of friends treasure the memories of her and her many good works.

Carol was a fervent supporter of the performing arts in Pittsburgh and was a frequent audience member of the Symphony, Opera, and Ballet and numerous theater companies. Although not a musician herself, Carol knew the words to hundreds of show-tunes, hymns, children’s songs, and other standards in the American songbook. She was an avid reader and participated for decades in book clubs. Recently, she was a regular participant in Osher classes at CMU. In her over fifty years as a therapist/social worker, she helped hundreds of people to live more centered and meaningful lives.  Her caring nature and dedication to mental health led her to continue to see some of her long-term patients even after retiring. Carol is survived by her husband Sean, her children Patrick (Wanda Wilson), Megan Fischer (Matthew), and Rory (Brian Geraghty), her grandchildren Julia Hughes, Paul, Patrick and Genevieve Fischer, her siblings Timmie, Roy, Annie, and John, and several nieces and nephews, great nephews and cousins. She leaves a huge void in all our lives, and we are in awe of the impact she made on this world. At Carol’s request, there will be no funeral. Donations in her honor can be made to: The Sean and Carol Hughes Fund (10062) of the Pittsburgh Foundation at pittsburghfoundation.org.

Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)

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