Anna Cogswell Hughes
September 6, 1942 - April 12, 2025
Anna Cogswell Hughes, 82, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, in Hendersonville, North Carolina.
Born on Sept. 6, 1942, in Anderson, Anna lived a life full of service, compassion, and curiosity.
After graduating from Highland High School and Anderson University, Anna answered a call to global service by joining the Peace Corps, where she served in southern India during the 1960s — an experience that shaped her lifelong dedication to education. She went on to work as both a teacher, social worker, and most importantly, homemaker, touching countless lives with her wisdom, advocacy, and kindness.
On Feb. 1, 1969, she married John D. Hughes, and together they made their home in Mishawaka, Indiana, where Anna lived most of her life.
She was predeceased by John in 1997 and by their son, Aaron Hughes, in 2016. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Laura Cogswell; her sister, Evelyn Shekell; her brother, Paul Cogswell; and her sister-in-law, Joyce Cogswell.
Anna is survived by her children, Jane Elliot-Hughes of Mills River, North Carolina, Rachel (Cory) Gehring of Granger, Indiana, Benjamin Hughes of Mishawaka, Indiana; daughter-in-law, Louise Hurley Hughes of Carmel.
She was a devoted grandmother to Mya, Dylan, and Violet Hughes, Camille Tamayo, Sierra Weller, Cory Gehring Jr.; great-granddaughter, Melody Cook-Gehring; and great-grandson, Damon Weller. She is also survived by her brothers, Donald "Charlie" Cogswell and Ken (Kathy) Cogswell, as well as sister-in-law, Bonnie Cogswell and brother-in-law, Frank (Penny) Shekell, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
A voracious reader, passionate gardener, and animal lover, Anna was known for her wit, warmth, and unwavering opinions. If she thought a book could help you, she would send it — always with love. Anna was also very thoughtful; you could always count on her for a guaranteed birthday card, perfectly timed a day or two before your birthday. Anna's faith was important to her and she found her spiritual home in converting to Catholicism later in life. Her generous spirit and thoughtful guidance will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service, 229 S. Rangeline Road, Anderson. Burial will follow immediately at Bronnenberg Cemetery in Chesterfield.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy. preserve.nature.org/memorial
Post online condolences at https://preserve.nature.org/page/81523/donate/1
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Send Flowers: When Is the Ordering Deadline?
ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
Order any time up till the day before
MON-FRI Order by 2:00PM
SAT & SUN Order by noon
TUES-SAT
Order by 3:00PM
The day before
SAT & SUN Order by Saturday
Note: These are general guidelines; some florists may not be able to operate within these timelines. During peak periods such as Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day and most holidays, florists are not always able to keep up to demand. Tribute will contact you if there are any issues.
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