Rita (Vigliatura) Hughes, age 96, of Sutton, died peacefully Sunday, June 4, 2023, in UMASS Memorial Healthcare Center.

Born and raised in Worcester, Rita was the daughter of Joseph A. and Josephine (Massad) Vigliatura. She was a graduate of Commerce High School and worked as a stitcher for many years for the Robinson Thread Company.

Rita is survived by her loving husband of 78 years, Fred B. Hughes, Sr.; three sons, Fred B. Hughes of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Paul Hughes of Orlando, Florida, and John Hughes of Worcester; a daughter and caregiver, Cheri Downer and her husband Kevin of New Hampshire; two sisters, Miriam Vigiatura and Linda Sebetes; 12 grandchildren including Ashley Hughes who was her caretaker, 15 great-grandchildren, including her great-grandson Ayden who she enjoyed spending time with and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Clifford G. Hughes; a brother, Joseph A. Vigliatura and four sisters, Vivian Pigaga, Lorraine Nadeau, Judith Champagne, and Dolores Forsley.

Rita was a wonderful loving mother and grandmother who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A graveside service at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton, MA, will be celebrated on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 11:00 am. There are no calling hours.