HUGHES, Mary CampbellSeptember 12, 1917 - September 28, 2012If a person wants to live to 95 in generally a healthy state, the life of Mary Hughes may have lessons for us all. She had the good fortune to be born at Mt. Sentinel Ranch, Pekisko, Alberta, September 12, 1917, where an active life was expected, daughter of Sarah and Captain William Gardner. After early years with a governess for schooling, she attended The Mountain School in Banff, predecessor to the Banff School, where she learned to ski and row, and travelled the mountains on foot and horseback.In 1939, she married Jim Hughes, and together they built a ranch life and raised a family of six in the Pekisko Creek and Longview areas; Jim (Karen), Bob (Mary), Don, Charlie (Muriel), Irene Leeds (Doug) and Ken (Denise). In 1958 Mary bought her own quarter section and herd of Herefords to operate alongside Chinook Ranch which she and Jim had built. Mary and Jim lived together on Chinook Ranch until 2000.Mary maintained a discipline of staying active with one or two daily walks as long as she was able. She had a pleasant and positive disposition, which she carried with charm throughout her life. She took special delight in prairie flowers and seeing wildlife. She followed world and community events and continued to read the daily and weekly newspapers until recently, and managed her own accounts and any investments throughout her life through to age 90. She would greet visitors with evident delight and a smile, and was always unfailingly, exceedingly polite. She followed the growth of her family with interest and pride. She always expected the very best out of others, particularly her own family.Mary outlived all seven of her siblings, her husband and partner for 64 years, James Allen Hughes (1903-2003), son Charlie (1948-2011), daughter-in-law Barbara (1944-2008), and most others from her era. She will be missed by family and friends, including 20 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Mary made it to her 95th birthday, but shortly thereafter suffered a fall and broken hip, and passed away in Claresholm on September 28.The family would like to thank the caregivers at the McCaig Tower at Foothills Hospital, Willow Creek Continuing Care, Claresholm Hospital, the High River Medicine Tree Manor, High River Hospital and others who have helped Mary over the years.Her life will be celebrated this Saturday, October 6, 2:00 p.m., at St. Aidan's Church, Pekisko. From Longview, go 13 km south on Hwy 22, turn west on Hwy 540, and go 3 km (past the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site). A reception will follow the Service, at the Longview Community Hall.Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the research work of Mary's granddaughter, Dr. Sarah Hughes through the following link: https://sites.google.com/a/ualberta.ca/mary-hughes-donation/. To leave condolences for the family please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements in care of SNODGRASS FUNERAL HOMES, High River. Telephone: 403-652-2222.