Mary Alida Hughes-Kelley ~ 94, of Middleton, NS, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the Heart of the Valley Long Term Care Centre in Middleton, NS.   Born September 18, 1929, in Lower Granville (Port Royal), NS, she was the youngest child of the late Carey Marshall Thorne and the late Mary Anne (Chute) Thorne.

She is survived by her four children, Brian (Andrea) Smith, Calgary, AB; Andrew Smith, Hinton, AB; Marianne (Frank) Illsley, Nictaux, NS; and Jane (Pierre Tremblay) Hughes, Ottawa, ON. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and nine (soon to be ten) great grandchildren.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband James (Jim) Hughes, her husband Lorimer Kelley, sister Dorothy Thorne, brother Stephen Thorne and daughter-in-law Lorna Smith.

Mom graduated in 1949 from the Provincial Normal College in Truro, NS to become a teacher. Between raising her family and helping Jim with his business, she taught for over 30 years in Middleton and surrounding areas.  She was an active member of the St. Johns's United Church UCW in her younger years (pre-2015), and a life member of the Mayflower Chapter of Order of Eastern Star.   Mom had a great love of her family, cats and dogs, and camping with friends and family at Delap's Cove. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, handwork such as quilting, knitting and cross stitch and her daily cross word puzzle and cryptoquote.

Mom enjoyed her time at the Heart of the Valley Nursing Home and especially loved the daily recreational activities provided to the residents. She played a mean game of bingo and was known to be quite competitive.  The family would like to thank Dr. Michelle Saxton and the staff of the Heart of the Valley for their love and excellent care of Mom during her stay with them.

Cremation has taken place.  A private family funeral will be held at a later date with interment at Pine Grove Cemetery, Middleton.  Memorial donations may be made to the Heart of the Valley Nursing Home Recreation Fund or charity of choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting www.middletonfuneralhome.com