Obituary of Doreen Hughes
April 3, 2019
Doreen Hughes, a New Yorker to her soul and a Citizen of the World, has crossed the Rainbow Bridge to join her pets ...the lovely calico Athena, the charming King Charles Spaniel Wyle, and the house panther, the black Noelle.
She cherished her time in this world with her Partner In Crime and twin sister, Donna and the lovely and devoted feline Samantha, They shared all their adventures together.
Doreen was born in Pennsylvania but her "dream since 5" was to move to NYC. She and Donna moved in 1979, and this August would have celebrated their 40th anniversary of living it up in New York City. She had two brothers, David, who recently passed away and also Dale and his wife Chris. Doreen worked at ABC TV for 33 years before retiring five years ago.
Doreen not only loved her devoted companion animals; her greatest passion in life was the welfare of animals. She and Donna support a number of animal charities, including the Center For Great Apes (FL); Chimpanzee Sanctuary NW (WA); Equine Advocates (NY); Elephant Sanctuary (TN); NSAL America; Farm Sanctuary; Best Friends, the list are endless. She annually adopted the orangutan Mari, the chimpanzee Foxie, the horses Jasmine and Ceci, among others.
Sports was a passion for Doreen. Her beloved Phillies made her baseball heartbeat as they won the 2008 World Series. She saw her beloved NY Rangers win the Stanley Cup during the 93-94 season, which to quote Doreen: "now I can die happy." Tennis was her passion, from Stefan Edberg to Roger Federer. She attended the US OPEN in Queens every summer.
Doreen loved watching the thoroughbreds run. Secretariat began her love affair with "the ponies" and she so loved Ruffian after that and the great Filly Rachel Alexandra. Doreen and Donna visited Kentucky five times to meet the great stars of the track, including three separate trips won in a contest to meet Rachel Alexandra. Doreen also had the good fortune this past year to visit Ruffian's final resting place on the infield at Belmont Park. Scratch that off the bucket list.
Doreen was a life long lover of all things Disney. She loved Mickey Mouse, Pinocchio, and all the Disney films. A day at Disneyworld (of which there were many) was spent getting character photos. She was also a great admirer of Lisa Simpson, both long-time vegetarians, witty girls, and intelligent. She was a rabid fan of My Little Pony, especially the high energy Pinkie Pie. The twins have attended three My Little Pony conventions, yes, dressed up, as their favorite characters. She loves Charlie Brown and Snoopy and every day was a MUTTS day in the comics.
Doreen and Donna traveled extensively through Europe. Notre Dame In Paris, theater and Big Ben in London; spending new year's eve at the Eiffel Tower. Pre-historic cave paintings in the Dordogne region of France. Barcelona was so unique. Dog sledding and hot air ballooning in Sweden; a educational trip to Poland; walking in Van Gogh' s footsteps in Arles; the Last Supper viewing in Milan; jumping onto the base of the Little Mermaid in Denmark; walking St. Bernard's in Switzerland; too many trips and too many memories to count. Even Russia got a visit from the girls. London and Paris were both special favorites and Doreen & Donna visited those cities at least 10 times each.
She also loved visiting the Grand Canyon, watching the sunrise. her dear friends in Florida who took the girls to the Everglades; the visits to all of the sanctuaries, in Florida, Washington, New York, Kentucky, etc. She simply loved to travel - whether it was to Chicago, LA, New Orleans, Lexington, Boston, Philadelphia. She loved to learn.
Doreen was a huge theater fan, Broadway, off-broadway. She was known to get on an Amtrak and go to a theater in Washington DC, or to a theater in NJ if there was a show she wanted to see. If this illustrates the point, one time she did not have any extra vacation days, so she hopped a flight to London to catch a show and returned the next day.
Doreen loved to learn new things, and in recent years, had begun riding horses after so many years of watching them run. She began to take up water painting and was pleased with how her work turned out.
Doreen was diagnosed with CLL Leukemia in 2009. She had chemo treatment in 2013 and again in 2016. Doreen never asked "why me," she asked, "why not me?" She was grateful to Donna for helping her. And her many friends who shared so much with her - in person, calls, texts. Doreen never let this disease define her, preferring to "kick leukemia to the curb" . Team Hope All the Way.
Doreen's spirit will live on, for nothing that energetic can ever be quieted.
she will be missed by family and friends. Donna and Samantha will miss her every day. RIP Doreen.
Funeral Services
Visitation
April 8, 2019
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Crestwood Funeral Home
445 W. 43rd St.
New York, NY 10036
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Donna, Dale and Christine..Your family is always in my prayers. The obituary that was written was so beautiful.She will be missed but not forgotten. Her and David are talking about Daddy and the baker as i write this. U are all in my thoughts and prayers. Debbie Pollock
Posted by: Debra Pollock - Shavertown, PA - April 9, 2019
Doreen,
RIP Partner In Crime. Your life in NYC was filled with love, energy, passion and FUN FUN FUN!!! Your love for animals, sports, theater, travel, music, the list is endless. Oh, how you loved all things Disney. My honor to put you to rest wearing your Mickey Mouse t-shirt and wristwatch. You would have loved the season premiere of My Little Pony - Pinkie Pie was featured! I am glad that you were able to stay home and rest after your retirement five years ago. You fought leukemia with Team Hope all the way! I am certain you were met by Athena, Wyle and Noelle. I will keep Samantha safe for you. I will watch Jeopardy for you, cheer the Phillies on for you, hope for the NY Rangers for you. You will always be with me ...You would have loved the send-off you had. Your stuffed toys will comfort you. Fly free now, Dor, you are out of pain and whole again. Rest.
Mari has been told. Foxie has been told. You have always been the yin to my yang. Rest in Peace. Your Twin, Donna
Posted by: Donna Hughes - New York, NY - April 9, 2019
Love and prayers. God's speed to Doreen to be in Heaven with God and all her fur babies. I'm here for you.
Posted by: Cindy Davis - Kansas City, MO - April 9, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. A true caring spirit has been lost.
Posted by: Marina Cresswell - England, - April 9, 2019
To those who knew and loved Doreen, my deepest condolences as there is a huge void in this world now. I had the privilege of knowing Doreen and Don through their love of chimpanzees. Faithfully year after year they supported Emma and Jackson and the chimps Inc. sanctuary. Becoming friends was natural and a blessing in my life. Don, please know that I am here if you ever need a shoulder to cry on or just someone to sit silently with you as you grieve. Sending lots of love from Costa Rica today tomorrow and always. ❤❤❤
Posted by: Marla Meyer - Bend, OR - April 9, 2019
I am so very saddened to hear of Doreen's passing. We were friends through horse racing Facebook pages. She was a very nice lady. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family.
Posted by: Terri Bey - Lexington, KY - April 9, 2019
I miss you "Ruff"! I hope you know you were always in my thoughts and prayers! I wish things would have turned out differently! God needed you!!! Amen!
Posted by: Renee Johnson - Lake Havasu City, AZ - April 9, 2019
I'm so sorry to hear this. Please know you are surrounded by many who love you, even if it's just on Facebook. Much love to you and deepest sympathies.
Posted by: Michelle Merlo - North Versailles, PA - April 9, 2019
Thank you Don for such a lovely tribute to your Partner in Crime. Thank you for allowing us to be a small part of both of your lives and for sharing more about Dor in your tribute.
It was such a great pleasure to meet Doreen. I'm so very glad that she was able to meet Foxie in person after years of long-distance admiration and support.
The spirit and love for life that you two both embodied is unique and something to treasure.
Indeed, "nothing that energetic can ever be quieted."
Posted by: Diana Goodrich - Cle Elum, WA - April 9, 2019
You will forever be remembered Doreen. I can't think of NYC without thinking of the best two tour guides there are. I am so lucky to have met you, and you will be missed greatly. You and Donnas love for traveling and animals was always such an inspiration to me. Thank you for everything.
Posted by: Joanna Zimny - St. Paul, MN - April 9, 2019
Am so sorry for your lose. What an amazing person and what a remarkable live. She will be missed. Please accept my condolences. May her beautiful soul Rest In perfect Peace.
Posted by: Fatou John - West Pittston, PA - April 9, 2019
Don, I am so sad to hear of Dor's passing. I will never forget the hospitality both of you showed to my SIL and me on our trip to NYC and your treat of Wicked! I can just see her with all her fur babies! YESH! RIP Dor! <3
Posted by: Deb Martino - Feeding Hills, MA - April 9, 2019
Doreen, I am crying as I write this, even though we never met in person... Don's tribute to you is poignant and so beautiful... What a wonderful heart and magnificent soul you have! I am so glad you travelled and lived your life to the fullest! Thank you for being such a wonderful sister to Don. I know you will keep watch over her... Thank you for everything you did in support of God's precious animals... Please keep watch over them from above too. It saddens me to know what you had been through these past 10 years, but it brings comfort to know that you are now rejoicing with your babies in heaven, healthy, happy and whole. Forever young. "May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs receive you at your arrival and lead you to the holy city Jerusalem. May choirs of angels receive you and with Lazarus, once a poor man, may you have eternal rest." (In paradisum) Rest in peace, dear Doreen...
Posted by: Donna Platt - New Orleans, LA - April 9, 2019
Dearest Doreen
Thank you for your kind heart and showing us all how to love life and have fun .
X
Posted by: Marie Cross - Sheffield UK, - April 10, 2019
Doreen or Python, I cannot believe that my best fight buddy has gone. Our scraps on Blather were world renowned, obviously I always won! Over the years you and Donna became a huge part of our lives and I thank you so much for the laughs as well as the tears we shared over those years. You have been so brave, you never complained but eventually this most hateful disease took you away from us far too soon. I still had more insults to throw at you! I still have the Python you bought me and it will stay with me always as a reminder of the wonderful person you were. I was honoured to have met you and that crazy day will never be forgotten. I shall miss you so much (but don't tell anyone I said so!) I will keep an eye on Donna and make sure she is ok. Love and miss you. Love Ali and Saint Tim ❤
Posted by: Ali and Tim Beddoes - Fordingbridge UK, - April 9, 2019
Donna I am so very sorry to hear about Doreen. I didn't realize she had relapsed. She was such a wonderful and remarkable woman. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to her you.
Posted by: Pamela Stanis - Rockaway Park, NY - April 10, 2019
Hi Donna,
Although I only met Doreen a few times over the years at Trinity, I can't help but feel I knew her through you. She was your "partner in crime" in all your adventures. I am so truly sorry and saddened for your loss.
Warmest regards,
Joan
Posted by: Joan Petrokofsky - New York, NY - April 10, 2019
Donna, thank you for sharing such a beautiful remembrance of Doreen and her zest for life. I've so enjoyed hearing about all your adventures together and admired your get-up-and-go and passion for so many things. You had a great partner in fun with Doreen! My deepest condolences to you, Samantha and your family. I'll be thinking of Doreen as we will soon learn the fate of the throne.
Posted by: Katie Crowley - New York, NY - April 10, 2019
Dear Donna, You and your sister are AMAZING !! I will always remember Doreen's laughter & smiles. I never knew how much you guys loved to travel. She is Blessed to have a sister like you. The Obit is beautifully written about a Wonderful Lady who enjoyed life to it's fullest. May God Bless You and Comfort You. Hope to see you soon, Love Pattie
Posted by: Pattie Benedix - Pickens, SC - April 11, 2019
Doreen, your kindness, enthusiasm, and gigantic heart has made a lasting impression on so many friends - some with 2 legs, some with a tail, even a few who swing from trees. You spoke the universal language of love with sincerity, authenticity, empathy, and humor. When I needed to be fussed over, I knew it was time to share a pet photo with the Hughes girls! Although you will be missed terribly - the karma you brought to all of us will continue in healing and generous ways. Happy Trails, Buckeroo! Until we meet again...
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon Keigher - West Orange, NJ - April 11, 2019
There is a journey on this planet where wer'e all spirit balls trying to figure out the human forms we've been given. I met Doreen where we worked, at ABC-TV, and fell instantly in love with her spirit. We were friends ever since. Since 1980. Doreen and I had similar upbringings, steeped in Americana and there too, we were trying to figure things out. Tho we loved artists and athletes for bringing us lite, we decided it was the animal kingdom that had the higher life forms. We had pets but ti went beyond that for Doreen and her sister, to give and give and give to others, especially to needy animals. The are both special and I know Doreen separating out, will find all the kindred spirits she's part of and wait for Donna to share. I cannot express my deep love for a person as u unique as Doreen, bu† I wanted to say that I surely recognized her uniqueness and loved he deeply for it.
RIP, dear, sweet Dorsey-B. All of the music and art floating around the world is lifted up to float on a cloud with you! Gonna missyou down here, though.
Posted by: Lynne Naso Naso - Aventura, FL - April 12, 2019