Barbara A. Hughes, 78, of Waterville, the matriarch of the Hughes family, passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center, with her loving family by her side. She was born April 26, 1931, in Utica, the daughter of the late Raymond and Mary Huertson Stephenson and received her education in Frankfort Center and Proctor High School. On July 14, 1956, in Waterville, she married Walter J. (Spook) Hughes. Mrs. Hughes was employed at several area restaurants until her retirement, and especially enjoyed her years at the Sangerfield Inn. Mrs. Hughes was a member of St. Bernard's Church and the Clifford J. Fulmer American Legion Post #92 Auxiliary. Barbara was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and was always putting others' needs before her own. She enjoyed flower gardening, birds, dancing, a good party, shuffleboard, playing cards and spending time with her family and friends. Mrs. Hughes was also an avid Yankees and Giants fan. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Walter; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Earl Hughes, Walter, Jr. and Audrey Hughes and Robert Hughes, Sr., all of Waterville and Linda Hughes of Deansboro; a daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Michael Lupia of Clinton; eight grandchildren, Tonya, Erin, Dylan, Nicole, Douglas, Alexandra, Ciara and Robert, Jr.; a great grandson, James Walter; two sisters, Mary Powers of Cold Brook and Edna Hopkins of Fair Haven, MA; a brother and sister-in-law, John and Betty Stephenson of Deansboro; and many special brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her son, Douglas Hughes; two brothers, Walt and Tim Stephenson; and a sister, Minnie Inman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 am at St. Bernard's Church, Waterville. Interment will be in Green Lawn Cemetery, New Hartford. Calling hours are Sunday afternoon from 1-4 at the Kloster-Northrop & Bentz Funeral Home, 210 E. Main St., Waterville.