Obituary

Sylvia Augustine Blazio Hughes

February 12, 1933 - July 5, 2024

Sylvia Augustine Blazio Hughes went to be with Our Lord on July 5, 2024. Sylvia was a lifelong resident of Bogalusa, LA and a devout member of Annunciation Catholic Church. She was born on February 12, 1933, to Maxcime Ayo Blazio and Ermine Ann Chighizola Blazio on Grand Isle, LA.  She met Earl Hughes on Grand Isle, and they married on December 20, 1949. In 1950, Earl and Sylvia moved to Earl’s hometown of Bogalusa where they made their home.  

Sylvia was a housewife for many years. In 1974, she began her career at Annunciation Catholic School working in the school cafeteria.  She worked in the school cafeteria as a cook and then a baker.  Sylvia also cleaned the convent for the Sisters who taught at the school. She retired from the school cafeteria in 1994. She also worked for a brief time in the Bogalusa City Schools as a cook. Over time, Sylvia cleaned the church, the parish offices, and the rectory. She retired from her cleaning duties at the age of 80 in 2013.

As a member of Annunciation Catholic Church, Sylvia was a member of the Altar Society, serving as Flower Chairman for over 40 years; the Rosary Society, the Italian-American Society, various bible studies. She taught CCD class in the home, and she assisted with Vacation Bible School. Sylvia was a member of the Kaycettes and then the KC Ladies Auxiliary. She faithfully attended adoration each week and the First Friday and First Saturday devotions each month. She was awarded the St. Louis medal for the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 1991 for her service to the church. Sylvia also loved gardening but was terrified of lizards. She liked anything to do with cleaning.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Earl Hughes; her parents; her sisters, Elsie Deffes, Alva Chighizola, and Margaret Blazio, and a brother Clamcy Blazio.

She is survived by her children Debbie Warner, Bubba (Venice) Hughes,  Deidra (Vaughn) Gibson, and Shane (Melondy) Hughes; her grandchildren Shanda Gibson (Chad),  Amber (Robby) Purvis, Brande (Ron) Trenum, Dustin (Tiffany) Fortenberry, Josh Fortenberry, Holly (Jimmy) Mueller, John (Becca) Gibson, Michael Gibson, Nicholas Gibson, Matthew Hughes, Daniel Gibson (Elena), Halee Hughes, Joseph Gibson, and Gabriel Hughes; her great-grandchildren Summer (Jacob) Still, Taylor Gibson (Jasmine), Brandon Gibson, Connor Gibson, Cainen Magee (Jaya), Chloe Clavier, Aiden Mueller, Paxton Fortenberry, Alissa Purvis, Peyton Mueller, Tyson Trenum, Triston Trenum, Jayda Gibson, Leland Miller,  Brooklin Trenum, Faylynn Gibson, Reagan Mueller, Maddi Mueller, Brianna Trenum, and Jaxson Fortenberry; her great-great-grandchildren Jake Still, Jesse Still, and Brooklyn Clavier; her brother-in-law LD (Tracey) Gee and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers: Dustin Fortenberry, Josh Fortenberry, Daniel Gibson, John Gibson, Nicholas Gibson, and Gabriel Hughes.

Honorary Pallbearers: Chad Bergeron, Robby Purvis, Ron Trenum, Jimmy Mueller, and Jacob Still.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Annunciation Catholic Church (517 Avenue B, Bogalusa, LA, 70427) on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 1:00pm. Burial will follow in Ponemah Cemetery. The family will receive friends and have visitation from 9:00 am until services, Wednesday at the church with the Holy Rosary to be prayed at 10:00 am.

Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home & Crematory in Bogalusa, Louisiana is in charge of arrangements.