Carole Anne Hughes, Ph.D., LCSW, of Wellesley, formerly of Jamaica Plain, passed away on September 8th.
Born in 1960, Carole was the eldest daughter of John and Margaret Hughes. She grew up in Jamaica Plain, surrounded by her friends and family. Her early educational experiences at Our Lady of Lourdes, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, and the University of Massachusetts, Boston shaped her later career as a higher education administrator. After graduating college, she earned a masters degree in educational policy from Boston University before landing at Boston College, where she worked for nearly 39 years.While working full time at BC, Carole went on to earn three more degrees - a masters degree in social work, a masters degree in leadership, and a doctorate in education.
Boston College was a focal point for much of Carole’s life. She began as an Assistant Dean for Student Development in 1988 and her most recent position was Director of Graduate Student Life. Over her years at BC she influenced the lives of generations of students, making lifelong friends of both her students and her colleagues. She was also involved in the larger student affairs network, having recently served as the Director of the NASPA Region 1, and in 2023 Carole was named a Pillar of the Profession, one of the most prestigious awards in her field. She was also deeply engaged with aspects of the Jesuit traditions at Boston College, such as the silent retreats, a pilgrimage to Italy and Spain, and a service trip to Nicaragua. Additionally, Carole was thrilled when both of her daughters chose to attend Boston College.
Like at work, Carole was a “people person” in her personal life. She was involved in her local Wellesley community in multiple capacities. She enjoyed reading and was a member of many book clubs. She was an active woman who had run 3 marathons and was fond of morning swims. She had a great eye for style, and she never saw a sale she didn’t like. She was a Virgo and an Autumn. She loved the beach, music, and had recently discovered a passion for cruises. She adored comedy and loved to laugh. She was a devoted friend and loving mother of two daughters.
Carole is survived by her two daughters, Julia A. Hughes and Olivia R. H. Bogiages; her two siblings, Mary C. Hughes and John J. Hughes; and her mother, Margaret Hughes.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington Street (Rt.16), Wellesley on Wednesday, September 16, at 8:45am followed by Funeral Mass at Trinity Chapel on the Boston College Newton Campus, 885 Centre Street, Newton at 10am. Visiting hours at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 15th, from 4pm-8pm. Interment at St. Joseph's Cemetery in West Roxbury.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Carole's memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at dana-farber.org/gift.