Marguerite Hughey

Marguerite Hughey (nee Choy) was born in Bakersfield on December 19, 1942 in the Chinese Year of the Horse and passed away on October 30, 2021 at the age of 78 after a long illness. She graduated from Bakersfield High School and went to work for Pacific Bell which later merged into AT&T. She met, fell in love, and married a former U.S. Navy sailor and horseman Robert Hughey. They welcomed the birth of their sons Chris and Michael. After retiring from AT&T, she began a second career as a merchandizer for Hershey’s and quickly became the “Candy Auntie” for all the nieces and nephews.

Her mother, May, was a charter member of the Bakersfield Chinese Women’s Club, and she and her sister Genny continue the tradition. Ever the volunteer, Marguerite served in many capacities, including President.

Marguerite bowled in the Chinese Bowling League and was the league secretary for many years. She competed in tournaments throughout California. She loved to travel and visited the Choy family village in China, Aunt Grace in Louisiana, and her son and grandchildren in Oklahoma. As a family, they loved to go riding and camping together.

Marguerite supported the Chinese School and the Confucius Church by volunteering at the annual Double 10 event celebrating the founding of the Republic of China and other cultural events.

Marguerite was predeceased by her parents Lawrence and May Choy, sister Bernice, and brother Clayton. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Robert; two sons, Chris and Michael and his wife Andrea; granddaughters Rose and Breanna and her husband Rich; grandson Ian; sisters Genny Toy and Bea Sueki; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Marguerite’s smile and laugh are something you can never forget. They were so radiant, infectious, and warm. She was a 33-year survivor of breast cancer and actively promoted breast cancer awareness. Marguerite fought Parkinson’s disease for the last 5 years of her life. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be missed by all.

A Celebration of Life for Marguerite will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 at 11 am at Doughty-Calhoun-O’Meara, 1100 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, with lunch to follow.

Interment will take place on Monday, November 22, 2021 at 2 pm at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear Mountain Boulevard, Arvin, California.