Madeleine Duncan Hughes - Obituary

Madeleine Duncan Hughes passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at her home in Annapolis, MD. Born on June 17, 1941, in Louisville, KY, her family relocated to Washington, D.C., in 1953 when her father became the legislative aide to Senator John Sherman Cooper of Kentucky. At just 15 years old, Madeleine attended Eisenhower’s second Inaugural Ball as her father’s guest, marking the beginning of a life filled with remarkable experiences and achievements. Madeleine and her sisters attended Holton-Arms School, where she excelled academically and received the prestigious English prize in her senior year. Her exceptional intellect earned her a perfect score on the SATs and admission to Smith College, where she graduated with distinction. After college, Madeleine returned to Washington, D.C., where she met George Hughes. The two embarked on a 60-year romance. Her activities over the years include St. Anne’s Church – a very active parishioner since 1965; Evening Prayer Leader, Altar Guild, Chalicist, Vestry Hammond-Harwood House Board – two terms, and some of her favorite memories include serving wassail with her daughters during Christmas tours. Maryland State Archives 1984-1991 Archivist for three trusts, including the State House Trust Londontowne 2000-2004 Curator of William Brown House Mount Clare 1991-2000 First VP Madeleine is survived by her husband of 60 years, George Hughes; her son, Andrew Duncan Hughes (Caroline Burson); her daughters, Molly Wilmer (Billy), Bell Carty (Bill), and Liza Hall (Michael); her sisters, Louise Lee Duncan and Isabel Duncan Hatchett; and ten beloved grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held for Madeleine at St. Anne’s Church in Annapolis on December 11 at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to the Hammond-Harwood House, 19 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401. Memories may be left for the family by visiting the link on this page.