Nancy S. Hughes

October 5, 1927 - December 22, 2023

MADISON- Nancy Schwenk Hughes, age 96, died December 22, 2023, at Agrace Hospice with her daughter at her side. Nancy’s family was her north star.  She lived her life with style, creativity, humor, and love for family and friends.

Nancy was born on October 5, 1927, to Henry and Helen (Lindenschmit) Schwenk in St. Louis MO.  Growing up, she loved tap dance classes, perfected her penmanship, and asked Santa for a diamond ring when she was nine years old.  She studied business at William Woods College and Washington University, St. Louis.  She was interested in marketing, aspiring to design store window displays. She devoted her life to raising her family in the Chicago area, and then pursued employment in public relations, importing decorative items, and in the luxury hotel industry, where she inspected and reviewed amenities.  Nancy was the life of the party — one group of friends lovingly nicknamed her “Mrs. Full-Charge.” Nancy lived big and bold, doing everything with style. She traveled the world, especially France, while filling every decade of her life with music, friendship and laughter.  

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband Peter, son John, parents, sister and brother.  She is survived by her daughter Anne (Stanley Livingston) Hughes, granddaughter Kelsey (Margaret McElligott) Livingston and grandson Samuel Livingston.

A virtual celebration of life occurred in January 2024.  Nancy was also remembered at the Capitol Lakes Retirement Community's Celebration of Life in February.  Memories of Nancy and messages of sympathy may always be shared in the Guest Book below.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Agrace Hospice, Fitchburg WI, where each Hughes family member has received compassionate care.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434