With great sadness, we announce the death of Francine M. Hughes, 75, of 1211 Cameron Avenue, Tyrone, PA on February 19, 2025.

Born in 1949 in Chicago, Francine was the second child of the late Frank and Eleanor (Engelman) Hughes. Frank and Eleanor met during WW II in southern England while both were serving in the army, Eleanor as a nurse anesthetist and Frank served in the Army Corp of Engineers.

Francine was the granddaughter of the late Adolph and Marie Engelman, German immigrants who settled in Tyrone. After opening a floral shop in 1914 the family operated Engelman Florist in downtown Tyrone as well as a greenhouse operation. Francine's late paternal grandparents were Frank and Elizabeth (McNamara) Hughes of Chicago

Francine graduated from St Matthew Catholic School in 1963, Bishop Guilfoyle High School in 1967, and Indiana University of PA in 1971. Upon graduation from college, Francine moved to Washington, DC where she was later joined by her sister, Nancy.

While living in Washington Francine had a wealth of interesting jobs. Her most interesting was a business she opened in Georgetown, Georgetown Green Grocers. An entrepreneur, she offered customers throughout the Washington area a wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and specialty products from around the world.

After returning to Tyrone in 1985, Francine taught second grade at Saint Matthew Catholic School. Francine then followed her entrepreneurial spirit a second time by opening a day care business in her home. She often spoke of her love for each of the little children in her care.

Francine was also Building Manager of the Pennsylvania House in Tyrone. She worked tirelessly during and after office hours to care for the residents. Again, Francine often spoke lovingly of the residents and remained friends with many.

Francine is survived by her son, Colin, of Arlington VA, and three siblings: Stephen (Colleen), Nancy Hughes (Tim Rahn), and Christine Bench (Len). Francine has six nieces and nephews: Lisa Gabler (Matt), Heather Mesinovic (Damir), Nick Hughes, John Bench (Nicole), Christian Bench (Courtney) and Paul Bench and 6 great nieces and nephews: Caroline and Sebastian Gabler, Cameron, Noah and Julia Bench and Barron Mesinovic.

Seventeen Engelman cousins also survive Francine from the original 21 grandchildren of Adolph and Marie. The cousins spent much of their childhoods together in Tyrone and consider themselves to be close friends. Francine was considered by many of the cousins to be the family matriarch.

An adventurous traveler, Francine's favorite destination was Ireland. She loved visiting the Emerald Isle to reconnect with her Irish roots. She spent her 25th birthday there. Later she traveled there with Colin, so that he could spend his 25th birthday there with her. Over the years, Francine traveled extensively around Europe and the US Virgin Islands.

Always curious about the people and customs of different cultures as well as a voracious reader, Francine's travels and reading satisfied her curiosity, but naturally led her in a quest for more knowledge. Francine wrote poetry and haikus, and created artwork using watercolors and oils. She absorbed her horticultural heritage from her grandparents and her Uncle Bill Engelman developing an excellent eye for arranging flowers and for her beautiful gardens.

Francine was a kind and compassionate person. For 17 years until his death at 101, she was her Uncle Bill Engelman's companion and No. 1 supporter. Francine contributed to many organizations that support the young, the elderly, and animals. An extra special place in her heart was reserved for animals. She loved them all (except bears)!

Friends and family will be received from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Feller Memorial Home. A Mass of Christian Burial for Francine M. Hughes will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Tyrone. Father Michael Pleva will officiate. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Francine's name may be made to the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society https://www.centralpahumane.org/