It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a great light in this world, our dearest, Sarah “Joanne” Hughes (nee Roche) who sadly left us on February 13, 2025.
Joanne was the beloved daughter of late E.J. Roche Sr. and the late Bernice (nee Winton), and loving sister to the late E.J. Roche Jr.
Joanne was married to the late John (Jack) Hughes, who was the love of her life for 50 years.
Joanne sadly leaves behind her beloved son Wade Hughes and cherished daughter-in-law Rhonda (Couchie).
Near and dear to her heart, were her special nephews the late Jeff Roche, Scott Roche (Laurence), Kevin Roche (Jennifer), Curtis Roche (Julia) and Jason Hughes (Lorelee), and beloved great nieces Lana Roche and Paytyn Roche, and Justine Hughes.
Joanne was the loving sister-in-law of the late Elizabeth Hughes, Murielle Hughes (late Harry Hughes) and Gail (late E.J. Roche Jr.).
Joanne also held a very special place in her heart for the Moseley-Williams family, starting with her best friend the late Betty Moseley-Williams (late Gerald) and her sons, Bradley, Bernard, Dennis, Patrick, and Kelly along with their families. The Couchie and Spence families also were honored to have her as part of their tribe for 24 years and say a “Chi-Miigwech” (Big Thanks) to her for her friendship and love over the years. As well, the Hughes and Winton families were cherished in her heart.
Joanne also leaves behind her “Forever Furry Friends,” grandbabies and faithful companions Shelby, Lincoln, Lexus, and Cheyenne, and welcoming her home, will be her other two special companions, Buddy, and Bentley.
Joanne Hughes was born in North Bay and attended the NBCINYS Dr. Carruthers School from there she went to Whitby, Ontario to attend the Ontario Ladies College. True to her faith in God, she was a lifelong member of St. Andrew United Church.
In her professional life, Joanne dedicated 38 years with Bell Canada Engineering and was a tried-and-true Bell Pioneer, who will be sorely missed by her dear friend Jim Bennett.
Upon retirement, Joanne found herself with a community she most loved at Pearls (Jewelry/Gift Shop) on Main Street, North Bay. Most people will fondly remember Joanne as the QUEEN OF PEARLS, a title she so proudly held for 25 years. Thanks so much to Cathy Ling who was like a daughter to Joanne and her birthday twin, and Sue Middaugh her dear friend and rock. She would also want to say thank you for all the hugs and friendships shared by the girls at Pearls and that includes Debby Priolo, Allyson Bursey, Giselle Sauve, Pat Cogar and Jane Salmon amongst the other remarkable women that worked at Pearls throughout the years. Working at Pearls was Joanne’s passion and gave her some of the most fun-loving and memorable years of her professional life.
Joanne did her best in this life, and was the finest example of what we should all grow up to be: a person who loves all unconditionally, who is a guiding force for those around her, a dear friend to all, and the finest example of what a good human being should be. Joanne, we will miss you dearly, and we will remember your gifts of charity, selflessness, kindness, love, style, classiness, and laughter and all the things that you shared with the world to make it a better place every day.
Most of all, Sarah Joanne Hughes you have made our lives better just by knowing you. Joanne, you truly have made a difference and will never be forgotten in all our hearts until we meet again. Joanne “May Flights of Angels Sing Thee to Thy Rest.”
The family would like to send a very special thank you to the outstanding emergency response team that includes Provincial Constables Carr and Oerton of the OPP Powassan Satellite Detachment, Dr. John Seguin and the North Bay EMS (Ambulance Services) for their kindness, compassion and care shown to the Hughes family on February 13.
To honor this amazing woman, a celebration of life, will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Martyn Funeral Home, 464 Wyld Street, North Bay Ontario, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Donations can be made to All Heart Pet Rescue (430 Oakwood Road, Powassan ON – 705-724-2630).
As per Joanne’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private family burial will take place in the summer to unite Jack’s ashes with hers so the two can be together forever – her final wish of never-ending love.