Helena Audrey Gerard Sims Hughes departed this life on Saturday April 1, 2023. She was born on November 14, 1925 in Houston, Texas to Viola Semere Gerard Duplechin and Charles Gerard of Houston Texas. She was 97 years young. “Lene” as she was affectionately called by her dearly departed husband of 60 years; John W Hughes Jr. “Johnny” preceded her in death at the age of 93 on November 22, 2018. She is survived by her children Charles S Sims (Lottie), Kenneth M. Sims (Janet) and daughter Pamela. She is deeply mourned by her only beloved grandchild Lauren Kenni Marie Sims. Her loving sister Claudette Richardson (Wray) and cherished nephew Todd W. Richardson greatly mourn her passing as well. Her other Pittsburgh nephew Sylvester Hughes along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and family throughout the country and overseas are deeply saddened. Helena retired as Dean of Students at CCAC after a long award and accolade filled career. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She loved “On the Street Where You Live” and that genre of music that her husband played so eloquently. He played it for her at every set that she attended. She was a longtime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority INC and will be memorialized with an Omega Omega Ceremony on Saturday April 15, at Allegheny Cemetery Temple of Memories at 11:00 AM. Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. freyvogelfuneralhome.com
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