Parcourez la nécrologie de Hughene Lavinia nee Parkes Boggs résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles.
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Hughene Lavinia (née Parkes) Boggs in her 102nd year on Monday February 5, 2024. She was the beloved wife of William Brenton Boggs IV, OC, OBE for 63 years, devoted mother, cherished Nana and great-grandmother.
Hughene is survived by her three children: Mary Catherine Acheson (Robert d.), William Brenton Boggs, and Talbot Boggs; her four grandchildren: Stephen, Hughene (Greg), Edwina and Harris Acheson and her two great grandchildren, Preston Acheson and Georgia Ryckman. Hughene was a formidable woman, and her remarkable life spanned a century marked by profound change.
Hughene was born on July 14th, 1922 –France’s Bastille Day – in Montreal, Quebec. Her parents had recently emigrated from England, and her British heritage and traditions would remain of great importance throughout her life. She was educated at the Montreal School for Girls, along with Miss Palmer’s where she was valedictorian for her graduating class in 1939.
At the age of 15, she showed tremendous promise as a singer, securing second place among 52 competitors (many of whom were professionals) in a singing competition for the province of Quebec. Her ambitions for her singing career were thwarted with the advent of the Second World War. However, at the age of 17 under the stewardship of her father, who had a career in the retail industry, she opened a woman’s clothing store, “Hughene Parkes”. Her love of people and fashion inspired a loyal client base and contributed to her success in business for over a decade. Unusual for the time, she took conversational French, so she could engage with her French clientele. Always impeccably dressed, her son-in-law, Bob Acheson, nicknamed her ‘Glamour’, a moniker that would have made sense to her clients who attended her wedding, uninvited, just to catch a glimpse of her in her dress.
She met her future husband, Bill Boggs, while he was on a business trip in Montreal and they married on February 7th, 1948. Her focus changed from business to family as she had three children in quick succession and their early years were spent with extended family in Montreal and many happy times at their cottage in Lachute.
Bill’s career at de Havilland (DHC) took the family to Toronto and it was there that they created a wonderful life in a beautiful home. Hughene proved to be the perfect complement to her husband and his career; she was vivacious and fun, while he was reserved and measured. Her magnetism always brought people together, she was kind, very hospitable and always wanted to share her home with others.
She had many interests that included entertaining, decorating (she was asked to decorate the ladies lounge at the National Club), flower arranging, cooking, and sewing. She and Bill also enjoyed tennis and swimming and were members of the Granite Club, the Queen’s Club, and the Hillsboro Club for many years.
Some of her happiest years were those when her beloved Bill served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO), where they regularly attended concerts and accompanied the orchestra on trips throughout Europe and North America. During her lifetime, she met and mingled with international dignitaries, business and political leaders, and world-renowned artists such as Luciano Pavarotti and conductor, Sir Andrew Davis.
For Hughene, age was no barrier, and she always enjoyed a challenge. At the age of 70, with her husband and son Bill, she founded Eden Manor Retirement Residence, and was involved into her early 90s. In her later years, she joined the York Club, which she thoroughly enjoyed and remained a member until she was 98.
Throughout her life, her Christian faith guided her and regardless of the circumstance, she approached it with courage, enthusiasm, flair and grace. In her eternal life, she will no doubt be singing praises to God. “We are well pleased to be absent from the body and present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8.
Burial will be private. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank the staff at Amica Balmoral and Amica Bayview Gardens, along with North York General Hospital for their care and compassion in Hughene’s final years.
2024
Morley Bedford Funeral Services Ltd
Décès pour la Ville:Toronto, Province: Ontario
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