Jackie Hughes obituary celebrates a life filled with adventure, family, and community. Born in Malta during World War II, she later moved to the UK, worked in a pharmacy, married Ron Hughes, and lived in Libya, Germany, and Spain. Her gift for bringing people together defined her legacy.
Early Life and Family Roots
Jackie was born in Msida, Malta, to Daisy and Jack Morris. During the war, she and her sister Fay were evacuated to the UK, while her father remained in Malta. She grew up in Chatham, Kent, surrounded by a close extended family. After leaving school, she worked at the Co-operative department store, then moved to a chemist's shop, eventually managing a pharmacy.
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A Serendipitous Meeting
On New Year's Eve 1956, at a dance in Chatham town hall, she met Ron Hughes, an engineer in the merchant navy. Despite their different dance styles—she loved jiving, he preferred ballroom—they wed in 1959. Jackie became a full-time mother to Matthew and the author of this piece.
Global Adventures and Career Changes
Ron later worked for the Ministry of Public Building and Works on RAF airfields, taking the family to Libya. Then, a shift to Siemens as a technical translator moved them to Germany. In retirement, they lived for 15 years in Moraira, Spain, before returning to Hampshire in 2018.
Embracing Local Cultures
Wherever she lived, Jackie immersed herself in local culture—learning from neighbors, discovering new foods and traditions, and exploring the countryside. Her motto was "give it a go".
| Life Stage | Location | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Childhood | Msida, Malta / Chatham, UK | Evacuation during WWII; grew up with extended family |
| Young Adulthood | Chatham, UK | Worked at Co-op department store and pharmacy |
| Marriage & Family | Chatham, UK | Met Ron Hughes; had two children |
| International Move | Libya | Ron's RAF airfield work |
| Germany | Germany | Ron worked for Siemens as translator |
| Retirement | Moraira, Spain | 15 years of sun and community |
| Final Years | Hartley Wintney, UK | Returned to England in 2018 |
Key Takeaways from Jackie's Life
- She believed a rich life is filled with family, friendship, shared meals, and adventure.
- Her "give it a go" spirit inspired others to embrace new experiences.
- She built bridges across cultures, from Libya to Spain.
- Even in retirement, she remained curious and engaged with her community.
FAQ
What was Jackie Hughes known for?
Jackie Hughes was known for her remarkable ability to bring people together, her adventurous spirit, and her love of travel and culture.
Where did Jackie Hughes live?
She lived in Malta, the UK, Libya, Germany, Spain, and finally returned to Hartley Wintney, Hampshire.
How did Jackie meet her husband?
She met Ron Hughes on New Year's Eve 1956 at a dance in Chatham town hall. Despite different dance styles, they married in 1959.
What was Jackie's philosophy on life?
She embraced a 'give it a go' spirit, always curious about others and eager to experience new cultures and cuisines.
Jackie Hughes passed away at age 88, leaving a legacy of connection and joy. Her obituary reminds us to live fully, travel widely, and cherish family and friends. For more inspiring life stories, explore our elderly blog section.