Emma Landry Hughes

Published 11:24 am Monday, October 21, 2024

Emma Landry Hughes, born August 5, 1946, in New Iberia, Louisiana, to Mr. & Mrs. P.A. (Dick and Doris) Landry, Jr., passed away in Rancho Santa Fe, California, on September 17, 2024, following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was known for her intelligence, beauty, style, and sharp wit. She was a proud Southern hostess, who was often the life of the party. Emma could always tell a great joke or spin a tale from her childhood—especially her Cajun fables about Marie and Pierre. Her warmth, humor, grace, and generosity blessed everyone who knew her.

Emma’s early years were filled with joy, surrounded by her three siblings Majorie, Richard, and Tony, cousins, and neighborhood friends. She spent her childhood playing on Myrtle Oak, where evenings were filled with games like kick-the-can. Summer days were often spent at the library, where she developed a lifelong love for reading and perfected her beautiful penmanship.

During high school, Emma found a passion for cooking and baking in Home Economics which she enjoyed all her life. She excelled at school and activity clubs, and loved to dance but was also known for her mischievous adventures with her close friends. She worked at Abdallah’s over Christmas wrapping gifts, which made her a thoughtful gift giver and lover of Christmas for the rest of her life. Emma attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana, she was active in the Tri-Delta Sorority, Angel Flight, and became the Sigma Pi Sweetheart. Most importantly, she made enduring friendships.
After college, Emma pursued a career in Atlanta, beginning at Courts & Co. and later joining Georgia Power, where she became one of the company’s first female Directors. During this time she met her husband, Hunter Hughes, an accomplished attorney and mediator. They married on October 13, 1973, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, a place they cherished.

Emma and Hunter spent their early years together traveling and building their careers before welcoming their son Hunter IV and daughter Hadley. In 1984, Emma retired to devote herself to her family, becoming deeply involved in her children’s lives and the Atlanta Junior League, where she was a regular participant in the Follies. She volunteered at her children’s school, Trinity School, and even returned to ballet in her 40s. Her devotion as a mother knew no bounds and in 1987, Emma survived a serious car accident, during which she jumped in front of a car to stop it from rolling down a hill, with her daughter inside. Despite sustaining a broken leg and extensive injuries, she recovered with her usual strength and resilience.

Emma loved to travel, especially to Great Britain where she indulged her passion for British culture. In 1996, Emma served as an envoy to Princess Anne of England at the Atlanta Olympics. An avid reader, she loved historical fiction and was always eager to share discoveries with friends and family. Emma also became skilled at needlepoint and regularly made beautiful handcrafted creations for family and friends.

In 1995, Emma was diagnosed with breast cancer, which was treated successfully and she remained cancer-free for the rest of her life. Her experience and gratitude inspired her volunteer work, including multiple Susan G. Komen walks to raise money for cancer research. Emma’s commitment to service also extended to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital.

In the mid-2000s, Emma and Hunter purchased a vacation home in Wailea, Maul, where they created cherished memories of walking on the beach, hosting friends, and exploring the island. It became so special that Emma chose it as her final resting place.
Emma is survived by her loving husband Hunter and their children, Hunter Hughes IV and Hadley Spencer Galdston, son-in-law, Benjamin Galdston, beloved grandson, Hunter Richard Galdston, her siblings, cousins, and many friends. She is remembered by all who knew her for her resilience, warmth, humor, and the profound impact she had on those she loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support its research for improved therapies and a cure for Parkinson’s disease.