Susan Hughes, 84, of Bristol, passed away peacefully on July 28. She was preceded in death by her husband, James (Jim) Hughes, a well-known artist. Susan was born in London, England, the daughter of Daniel and Barbara Drysdale.
She moved to the U.S. as a young woman, and worked in Boston as a staff writer and art critic for the Christian Science Monitor. During her career as a journalist, she wrote book reviews, critical essays, and other articles which included contributions to the New York Times and other noteworthy publications.
Susan dedicated her life to art, fostering and guiding her husband’s prolific career as a painter. Although they made Bristol their home, Susan and Jim spent many years living and working abroad in England, Scotland, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, and Puerto Rico among other places where they had many adventures together.
In her later years, Susan devoted herself to curating and showcasing paintings from Jim’s extensive body of work at their New Harbor Gallery, and the paintings, the fruits of their joint vision and labor, can be found in private collections in the U.S and abroad. Those who knew Susan may remember her for her passionate dedication, keen intelligence, sense of humor, and elegance. She enjoyed art, architecture, and history; learning Italian, gardening, and fine meals.
Susan is survived by stepsons and daughters-in-law, Glenn Hughes and Karen DeVaney, Tom and Charlene Hughes, and John Hughes, all of Northern California; brother and sister-in law, John and Gay Drysdale of Brill, England; nephew, Malcolm Drysdale; and niece, Juliet Drysdale.
A private memorial will be held to honor Susan’s life and work.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
