Abigail Lizabeth Hughes, whose professional career in education stretched from the inner-city schools of Baltimore as a teacher to the administrative levels in Hartford Connecticut, died December 2, 2025 in Wooster Ohio.  She was 77. Her husband, Jim Romich, said the cause was complications from Alzheimer’s.

Abigail was most proud of her work as the superintendent of 17 vocational schools in Connecticut, where she introduced new standards to the curriculum producing measurable improvements.

When the Hartford Courant noted in 2005, “That 17 regional technical schools posted their highest overall results ever on the Connecticut Academic Performance Test, an annual exam of reading, mathematics, writing and science given to the state’s 10th-graders”.

Abigail’s reaction was typically self-effacing. “I was elated”, she told the paper before deflecting any personal praise. “This really shows the hard work our teachers and students did. … It shows it can be done.”

Abigail’s strongest beliefs were that the vocational school system should never be a “dumping ground” for troubled students but a preparatory school for any student who truly desired an alternative to a college degree. As such she pressed all educators to focus on core skills such as reading and mathematics which would serve the graduates well in any technical field they chose to enter.

Upon her retirement after 18 years of service, Abigail was singled out by Connecticut’s Governor Jodi Rell for her “professionalism, outstanding work ethic and a commitment to excellence.” Governor Rell thanked Abigail for her “expertise, vision and compassion for others, not only with your colleagues, but also the community-at-large.”

An educator by career but a student at heart, Abigail continued to learn throughout her life.

Her true passion was travel and friendships, and any opportunity to combine the two led her to explore the world.  From her first forays into New York City as a teenager, to summer camp counseling in Switzerland at age 14, to the ubiquitous hitch-hiking tour through eastern Europe, she loved the challenge of the unknown.

As a seasoned traveler she once scoffed at a guide who attempted to hand her an umbrella while riding on the back of an elephant through the jungles of Thailand, stating that she was in no need of protection from the sun.  She sheepishly agreed to the “parasol” when it was pointed out to her the protection was for the moment when the elephant would clear its trunk by blowing snot up over its head.

She was known to make fast and lasting friendships and was an inspiration to those fortunate enough to know her and enjoy her ability to truly care and counsel others.

Her devotion to animals was widely admired, sharing her life with many cats and several dogs, some of which were rescue animals who always held a special place in her heart and certainly on her couch.

Abigail Lizabeth Hughes was born on December 3, 1947, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to David Alfred Hughes, a business executive and Fay (Nepove) Hughes, a librarian.  Abigail, the eldest of three children, was raised in Port Washington, New York on Long Island. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Beloit College in 1968, a Master of Education from John Hopkins in 1971, and a Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Philosophy, both in 1981 from Ohio State University.

She is survived by her husband Jim Romich; her two brothers, David Hughes and his wife, Pamela K. Browne of Southport Connecticut, and Scott Hughes of Collingswood New Jersey and his daughters, Fay Hughes and Alexandra Hughes; and many, many life-long friends and family members who she dearly loved.

Abigail was fortunate to have the wonderful love and support through her later years from her husband’s family; Pat and Wayne Bare, Deborah and Bob Fischer and the entire staff at Danbury Senior Living in Wooster, Ohio.

Abigail had an enthusiasm for life and love for those around her. She believed helping others was the greatest gift you could give. She will always be missed.

McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home 216 E. Larwill St, Wooster, Ohio is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.