Joyce “Jo” Marie Hughes, 79, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on October 30, 2025, at Luther Manor – Hillcrest.

Friends and family may visit from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Entombment will be at a later date at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Jo was born on August 22, 1946, in Rock Island, Illinois, the third of seven children born to Walter and Margaret (Russell) Newton. She graduated from Rock Island High School in 1964 and went on to attend Black Hawk College. On February 24, 1967, she was united in marriage to Royal Dean Hughes in Rock Island, Illinois.

Jo dedicated 25 years of service to the Dubuque Community School District, working as Principal Secretary at Dubuque Senior High School for Larry Mitchell and Kim Swift. She was also a proud member of the Creative Expressions Workshop.

Jo was a fun, spirited woman who cherished every opportunity to spend time with family and friends. She loved playing cards, reading, camping, and traveling to warm destinations. Though she was given just four years to live following her cancer diagnosis, Jo defied all expectations, blessing those around her with 17 more years of smiles, love, and determination. She will be missed deeply every single day.

Jo is survived by her husband, Royal; her children, Greg (Christy) Hughes, Matthew (Stephanie) Hughes, and Jonathan (Dr. Sarah Yonder-Hughes) Hughes; grandchildren, Madison and Christian Hughes; sisters, Sue Lee Newton and Sheila Newton; brother, Jim Newton; and sister-in-law, Sue Jean Newton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Margaret; sisters, Laura Newton and Eleanor “Cookie” Newton; and brother, Jim Newton.

Memorials may be made in Jo’s name to Creative Expressions Workshop or Hospice of Dubuque.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to all who supported Jo throughout her final months, including Karen and Denny Kingsley, Nancy and Bill Ross, Gail and Nick Noel, Sally Sriani, Dr. Ries and staff, and Dr. Engelman and staff.