Rosemarie Hughes

COTTAGE GROVE – Rosemarie “Rosie” Antoinette Hughes, age 83, reunited with her husband, Michael Hughes, on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Rosie was born on October 29, 1942, in Gary, Indiana, to Vittorino and Norma (Alban) Largura. Rosie graduated from Lew Wallace High School in Gary, Indiana, and later graduated from Ball State University with a degree in education. She married the love of her life, Michael Hughes, on June 20, 1964 at St. Mark’s Catholic church in Gary, Indiana. Rosie had an early career teaching elementary school.  Once her children were grown, she became a Travel Agent for AAA and traveled the world. Traveling was a true passion of hers!

In 2020, Rosie became involved in Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson's, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in January of that year. This group of fighters became Rosie’s extended family. She was also active in her community and loved being social, whether at a condo association driveway party or at the coffee shop with friends. Rosie enjoyed cooking, walking, kayaking, gardening, crafting, eating good food with friends and family, and traveling with Mike. She loved to spend time with her family and attend her grandchildren’s events. Whenever there was music playing, Rosie was dancing. She was never shy to share her opinions or a face about sports, politics, or how you dressed. Rosie was a super supportive and caring mother and Nana. We have such fond memories with her enjoying Italian food together. We have many extended family and we would all prepare the meals as a family and then sit down and eat together as a large family filling the dining room.  We would enjoy each other's company talking and laughing for hours.  We will miss being able to share those meals with her along with family and friends. She was known by many for being so loving to ALL of our extended family and friends.

Rosie is survived by her children, Meghan (Larry) True, Jen Hughes, Tony (Kathy) Hughes, and Katie (Chad) Stevens; grandchildren, Amy (Andy) Sullivan, Ryan True, Erin (Colton) Purdy, Abigale (Matthew) Beckman, Emma True, Alexis Hughes, and Kai Stevens; great grandchildren, Emily Sullivan, Michael Sullivan, and Ellie Purdy; brother,  Aldo (Becky) Largura; and brothers-in-law, Jim (Diane) Hughes and Bill (Christine) Hughes. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Rosie is preceded in death by her parents and husband of 59 years, Mike.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00am to 3:00pm on Sunday August 2nd, 2026, at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison.

The family would like to thank Rock Steady Boxing, coach Patti, the volunteers, and fellow fighters, The Death Café and Cancer Group that Rosie and Mike were part of for many years, and the staff of Agrace Hospice and Skaalen Heritage Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinsons, Madison Chapter at Bakke Athletics in Fitchburg;
Checks can be made to Bakke Athletics/RSB and all funds received will be put into their scholarship fund.  The funds will go to assist anyone who is unable to afford the classes, as they do not turn anyone away. To view her obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Drive
608-845-6625