Obituary of Mary Lelia Hughson

Mary Lelia "Lee" (Lincoln) Hughson, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, in Lowell, Massachusetts. Born on May 21, 1934, in Arlington, Massachusetts, Mary lived a life defined by her unwavering devotion to family and faith.

Mary was the cherished daughter of Catherine (Southwell) Costello and George Lincoln. She grew up surrounded by a large and loving family that shaped her deep sense of compassion and commitment to others. Throughout her life, Mary remained steadfast in her Roman Catholic faith. She attended Mass at St. Theresa’s Church during her younger years and ensured that all her children were baptized there. In later years, she continued to honor her faith by attending Mass every Sunday, whether in person or through televised services.

Family was the cornerstone of Mary’s life. She was a devoted mother to her surviving children: Robert Cormick of Tampa Bay, Florida; Cheryl Kahanec and her husband Gregory of Port St. Lucie, Florida; and John Cormick and his wife Catherine of Dracut, Massachusetts. Her love extended to her grandchildren: Gregory Kahanec of Des Plaines, Illinois; Jeremiah Kahanec of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Christopher Kahanec and his wife Alexis of Bloomingdale, New Jersey; Kylie Cormick of Park City, Utah; Owen Cormick of Dracut, Massachusetts; and Megan Leone and her husband Spencer of Hudson, New Hampshire. Mary also delighted in the joy brought by her great-grandchildren: Jameson Kahanec of Bloomingdale, New Jersey and Jaxon Leone of Hudson, NH.

Mary’s nurturing spirit touched not only her immediate family but also countless others who knew her as "Auntie Lee." She shared close bonds with her surviving siblings: Bernadette Dewland of Michigan; Michael Costello and his wife Julie of New Hampshire; William Costello of Florida and Francis Costello and his wife Bernadette of Florida. Her extended family included numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who adored her deeply.

She was predeceased by her husband Gene Hughson and many dear family members who held special places in her heart: her parents Catherine (Southwell) Costello and George Lincoln; her daughter Deborah Cormick; siblings Daniel Costello, John (Jack) Costello, Anne Costello, Theresa Bashford, George (Buddy) Lincoln, Josephine Lincoln, Mabel Lincoln, and Lillian Lincoln

Mary’s life was marked by an extraordinary dedication to celebrating milestones with those she loved. Whether it was a birth, baptismal ceremony, First Communion, confirmation, graduation, wedding shower or wedding day itself—Mary made it a priority to be present for these joyous occasions. Her presence brought comfort during times of need as well as happiness during moments of celebration.

Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives she touched so profoundly. Surrounded by the love and adoration of her family during her final moments on earth—a testament to the bonds she nurtured throughout decades—Mary departed this world with grace.

May Mary Lelia "Lee" Hughson’s memory serve as a source of comfort for all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she enriched with kindness and love. 

Visiting hours will be held on June 19, 2026, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Burns Funeral Home, 354 Boston Road Billerica, MA.

Funeral mass will be held on Saturday June 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM in Saint Matthew the Evangelist Parish in Saint Theresa's Church, 466 Boston Rd Billerica, MA 01821. Burial at Fox Hill Cemetery 130 Andover Rd Billerica, MA 01821.