Emma Hughes Obituary

HUGHES (Landry), Emma

Emma Landry Hughes, born August 5, 1946, in New Iberia, Louisiana, to Mr. and Mrs. P.A. Landry, Jr., passed away in Rancho Santa Fe, California, on September 17, 2024, following a long battle with Parkinson's disease. She was known for her intelligence, beauty, style, and sharp wit. She was a proud Southern hostess, who was often the life of the party. Emma could always tell a great joke or spin a tale from her childhood—especially her Cajun fables about Marie and Pierre. Her warmth, humor, grace, and generosity blessed everyone who knew her.

Emma's childhood was filled with joy, surrounded by her three siblings, Majorie, Richard, and Tony, cousins, and neighborhood friends.

After attending the University of Southwestern Louisiana, Emma moved to Atlanta to pursue her career. She started at Courts & Co. and later joined Georgia Power, where she became one of the company's first female Directors. During this time she met her husband, Hunter Hughes, an accomplished attorney and mediator. They married on October 13, 1973, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Atlanta, a place they cherished.

Emma and Hunter spent their early years together traveling and building their careers before welcoming their son, Hunter IV, and daughter, Hadley. In 1984, Emma retired to devote herself to her family, becoming deeply involved in her children's lives and the Atlanta Junior League. She volunteered at her children's school, Trinity School, and even returned to ballet in her 40s.

Emma loved to travel, especially to Great Britain, where she indulged her passion for British culture. In 1996, Emma served as an envoy to Princess Anne of England at the Atlanta Olympics. An avid reader, she loved historical fiction and was always eager to share discoveries with friends and family.

In the early-2000s, Emma and Hunter purchased a vacation home in Wailea, Maui. It became so special that Emma chose it as her final resting place.

Emma is survived by her loving husband, Hunter; and their children, Hunter Hughes IV, and Hadley Spencer Galdston; son-in-law, Benjamin Galdston; beloved grandson, Hunter Richard Galdston; her siblings, cousins, and many friends. She is remembered by all who knew her for her resilience, warmth, humor, and the profound impact she had on those she loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, to support its research for improved therapies and a cure for Parkinson's disease.