HUGHES Beth (Simmons) Mary Elizabeth Hughes passed away peacefully at Richmond General Hospital on November 7th, 2009. Born in Vancouver on January 11th, 1922, Beth was the only child of Frank and Mary (nee Howarth) Simmons, and also of her step-mother, Gwen (nee Brown). Predeceased by her husband, Gordon, she is survived by her daughter, Catherine; son-in-law, David O'Keefe; grandsons Kyle (Kim), Derrick, and Aaron (Rebecca); great-grandchildren Amelia, Cora, Sam, and Veronica. Beth graduated from Britannia, Vancouver Normal School, and UBC; and taught elementary school at Miocene, Mayne Island, and West Vancouver, where she met Gordon while teaching at Hollyburn. They married in 1949 and moved to Vernon where Beth taught Home Economics, retiring to Steveston in 1977 to be near their daughter's family. Beth was a life-long gardening enthusiast who volunteered with the seed collectors at VanDusen Gardens. She and Gordon travelled extensively in Europe, Africa, and points beyond. She was a devoted grandmother and accomplished cook who enjoyed weaving, sewing, knitting, photography, genealogy, music and theatre. Friends and family are invited to join in a celebration of Beth's life on December 29th from 1 to 4 pm at Catherine and David's home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Richmond Hospital Foundation (604-244-5252).