Emma B. Hugin

Emma B. Hugin, of Manchester, NJ passed away peacefully on March 18, 2020 at Manor By The Sea in Ocean Grove. Just 35 days shy of 100, her children sadly said their final goodbyes. Born April 22, 1920 in Kingwood Township, NJ to John and Elise (Mueller) Bernet. Her husband, John E. Hugin and her two sisters, Elsie Clayton and Helen Johnson, predeceased her. Emma is survived by her sons John and wife Kathy, Bob and wife Kathy, daughter Fran Mina, and her favorite (and only) niece, Mary Lou Johnson; eight grandchildren: Kelly (Mick) Weslock, Rick (Jaime) Mina, Katie Ciottariello, Megan (Ricky) Restaino, Jon (Kelsey Barnes) Mina, Hilary, Robbie and Mac Hugin. Emma had 5 great grandchildren; Emily, Vincent and Julia, Nora and Richard. She was a wonderful mother and grandparent, so proud of her offspring and their families. Growing up on a family farm during the Depression, their home was on Route 9, which at the time was the only direct road from NYC to Atlantic City. They remember seeing people like the Rockefellers drive past. Emma recalled seeing the Hindenburg fly over as she was riding her bike the day it crashed. She had some exciting travel adventures before marriage: road trip across the US, flew early trans-Atlantic flights to Europe and even Cuba. Emma was the Valedictorian of the Toms River H.S. Class of 1937. She was involved with many reunions much later in life. After high school, it was rare that young women like her attended college, Emma became a secretary and during WWII she worked at Lakehurst Naval Air Station. When her children were all in school she again worked as a legal secretary, we all remember her short hand notes. When Emma and John married they lived in Hudson County and their children were raised in Union City. Camping trips were fun and educational, from local, to Canada several times and even a month long trip across the US, visiting distant family, Army buddies, national parks and historic sites along the way. Emma captured many great events on her movie camera and we all enjoyed watching them later. She always lived a very ethical life and lived by the Golden Rule. Her children learned through her example of hard work, caring and compassion by her helping those around us in need. Families on our block much appreciated her help as they arrived as refugees and needed help acclimating into American culture, even sponsoring some as they became US Citizens. Emma never hesitated to help elderly shut-in neighbors by shopping for them, doing chores and providing physical assistance, something she continued throughout her life with lifelong friends and those friendships she developed at Leisure Village West. Emma was very busy keeping a home, working and raising a family so was really able to enjoy leisure more once retired. She and John were very active and proud of their large garden and its glorious yield each year. She loved playing card games and Scrabble with friends, doing crossword puzzles and cryptograms. She had a large social circle her years living at LVW and enjoyed outings and celebrations with many. She was famous for her joke telling and even known to call a local radio station to share jokes into her 90s. Emma was very wise, witty and loyal. She encouraged us to do our best and follow our dreams. Her talent for writing poetry for friends and family to mark milestones was legendary. People looked forward to and were honored to receive these symbols of her wit and caring, She was a master toast maker and roaster, including roasting herself. At her 90 thbirthday celebration she gave everyone a book of jokes with this quote: A few words to live by: All thats required is for you to be real. Dont try to be something that you aint. Be yourself and youll have appeal. Dont worry if youre not a saint. Emma was always grateful for everything in her life, she didnt always have a lot, but sure gave a lot. She lived a good, clean life, very proactive with her health and well being, even through many accidents and injuries, she was a real survivor. In her final years as her memories faded she was always appreciative of all who helped her or visited, always saying "Thank You or Merci Beaucoup" and "Thanks for coming", etc. In a special poem written when she was 80, Emma asked her friends and family not to grieve her passing. We hear her wish, but will certainly mourn her loss and the void her absence creates. We will always celebrate having had her in our lives and our hearts. She left us with a legacy we hope to carry on. She would have been greatly moved by everyones outpouring of sympathy and kind words. In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you do something for someone in need in her honor, and in these most difficult times you share kindness and humor to lift spirits as Emma did for us all.