Jennie Conway Hughes

Jennie was born on August 15, 1915 in Colorado Springs to Annie and Frank Conway. The eldest child of six children, Jennie's earliest years were spent at her father's Alta Vista Hotel. Frank Conway was a prosperous and enterprising businessman who owned and operated a diverse group of businesses in the Springs. Later her father owned the Alamo Hotel, and a portion of it still stands and has been designated as one of our country's historical landmarks. After graduating from St Mary's High School, Jennie was one of the very few in her class to go to college, especially considering she was a young woman. After all, this was l934 and our country was in the midst of the Great Depression. After attending Colorado College for two years, she transferred to St. Mary's College of Notre Dame. She traveled alone by train to South Bend, Indiana, graduating in the class of 1938, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and a Minor in Music. She had a lifelong love of both. While at St. Mary's she met her future husband, Jack Hughes, who graduated from Notre Dame University. She returned to the Springs upon graduation from college and assisted her father in the family businesses. The couple were married in February of 1945 and ultimately raised their family of four in Denver. In the early 60's Jennie returned to college to earn her teacher's certificate. She taught for a number of years at various grade schools and then joined the J.N. Marshall Company. After retiring at 65 she returned to the Denver Public Schools, substitute teaching until the age of 82. Frequently, she would remark that her greatest blessing was having her four children, John, Mary Ann, Patricia and Barbara and their spouses, Patti, Sami, Brian and John surround her in Denver. Seeing all of her grandchildren, including Brian, Brandon, Lauren; Mike, Chris; Joe, Matt, Molly; Andy, Allison and Kicki grow up right in front of her eyes was one of her most profound joys, and she lovingly participated in countless birthdays, holidays, ballgames, school events, graduations and most recently, the wedding of her granddaughter, Lauren! This last Christmas season, she attended three family parties, only a few days before she passed away. Jennie was a traveler! Her favorite destination was Europe and her appreciation for its cultural treasures and richness was contagious. She was the perfect traveling companion, appreciating it all, filled with natural curiosity and a lively sense of humor. She had a deep love of her Catholic faith and its traditions defined her. She always remained a student of music and in previous years played the organ to accompany masses at Christ the King. She volunteered extensively in fundraising projects for the aged at the Mullen Home. For many years she was a Eucharistic Minister distributing communion to patients at local hospitals. Ten years ago she graduated from the Denver Archdiocese Biblical School, a rigorous four year program. Her community activities included the Denver Symphony Guild and she was a sustaining member of the Denver Junior League. Concerts, plays, dinners and bridge, being with family and friends were highlights of her active social life. She also enjoyed participation in various book clubs. Jack Hughes, her two sisters, Frances and Ann and one brother, Bill pre-deceased her. She is also survived by her brother, John Conway of Greeley and her sister, Regina McKernan of California. Jennie had a unique ability to provide emotional support and guidance to each of her children, their spouses and her grandchildren. Included in this privileged group is Libby Skinner of New Jersey, who considered Jennie her second mom. One of our family's most recent highlights with Jennie was her 90th birthday party. It was the ultimate celebration of her and her wonderful life complete with toasts, roasts and a scrapbook filled with pictures, memories and heartfelt letters dedicated to her. If you were in Vail during the first week of August of 2005, you might have spotted her leading a Conga line from Pepi's Restaurant down the main street of Vail to the Harry Belafonte tune, 'Day O'. It will be a treasured memory. She gave her children and all who knew her a most valuable gift. The gift was in the form of a sustained and enduring message: life is a gift, a joy to be shared and treasured. We have, as our legacy, received that 'message' and if we are true to her, we will pay tribute to her by passing that message on and on.