Theodora "Teddy" Bernardette Hughes (Butkiewicz)

Age 95, was born on December 1, 1929, in a two-room home on the family farm in Split Rock Township, Minnesota. She was the 5th of 9 children born to John and Elizabeth Butkiewicz. She attended Lincoln School, a one room schoolhouse, in Split Rock Township through grade 8. After primary school she attended Moose Lake High School and graduated in 1947.

Helping on the family farm was her job until 1950. She then moved to Duluth and first worked at Sonnomade sewing mattresses before working at American News/US News, where she met Arthur Hughes. They married on July 14, 1956, and made Duluth their home.

Teddy was known for her hospitality. She would welcome you with fresh baked goods and hot coffee. Her specialty was brownies with chocolate cherry frosting. She was a regular at the local grocery store. You could find her searching for new recipe ingredients, visiting with cherished friends or making new ones. No one showing up for a visit left her home hungry!

Travel with family to places like Europe and South America were trips that provided enjoyment to all who attended and those hearing of many adventures upon her return. When travel was not as convenient, she enjoyed attending grand and great grandchildren’s concerts, graduations, and sporting events.

A long-time member of St. Raphael’s church, Teddy was always willing to give of her time and talents. She would often be found within her neighborhood, visiting and providing some of her baked goods for others to enjoy. Teddy had a green thumb for growing flowers, vegetables, horseradish and rhubarb. However, she was always challenged trying to keep the deer and raccoon out!

In her later years, you would find her praying for her family and friend’s concerns in her favorite rocking chair with a rosary in hand.

Teddy suffered a stroke in May and died peacefully in her home on Saturday July 12, 2025, surrounded by her family. We are blessed to be able to call her Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma and friend. She was a blessing to all around her. The family is grateful for the help received caring for her in these last months.

Teddy was preceded in death by her husband, F. Arthur Hughes; her parents, John and Elizabeth Butkiewicz; siblings, Florence Meger, Millie Currie, Lorraine Serre, and Leander Butkiewicz. She is survived by her 5 children, Mary Louise Monson (Craig), Greg (Julie), Rita Johnson (Dan), Celeste, Yvonne Larson (Jim); 17 grandchildren; and 35 great grandchildren; siblings, Louis Butkiewicz, Bernard Butkiewicz (Alicia), Louise LeSavage (Richard), Phyllis Knutson; sister-in-law, Darlene Butkiewicz; and many nieces and nephews.

All services will be held at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, 5779 Seville Rd, Hermantown. Visitation is Sunday July 20, 2025 from 5 – 7 PM with Rosary and Prayer Service at 6:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial July 21, 2025 at 11 AM with a Visitation beginning at 10am. Interment at Calvary Cemetery following luncheon. The Service will be livestreamed on the Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057452890892.