Janice Pugh

Janice Marie Riordan Pugh, 99 years young, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024. She was a long-time resident of Abilene, Texas. Janice was born on May 6, 1925 in Solomon, Kansas to J.B. and Mabel Riordan. She was raised in a wonderful and loving Irish Catholic family of 9 children.

After her education in Solomon and Abilene, Kansas, she went to work in Washington, D.C. for Senator Carl Hayden of Arizona at the Senate Office Building. In D.C. she met the love of her life, David F. Pugh, M.D., whom she married at Fort McArthur in Long Beach, California on January 9, 1946.

Before settling in Abilene, Texas, Janice and David lived in New York City, Dallas, and Wichita, Kansas. They raised five children in a nurturing environment filled with unconditional love and devotion. Together, they crafted a vibrant life marked by lifelong friendships, exciting adventures, and a deep appreciation for music that enriched everyone around them.

Janice was a loving, devoted, and remarkable mother, wife, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and cherished friend to all. Her sharp wit, grounded common sense, honesty, and delightful sense of humor brought joy to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Janice was a great homemaker, a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church, and an inspiring member of the Abilene Women's Tennis Association. She was a member of the Taylor-Jones County Medical Alliance, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Abilene Country Club, Abilene Philharmonic Association, the Cotillion Club, the Assembly Dance Club, and the Junior League of Abilene. She was a supporter of her children's activities and choices in life.

Janice took great pleasure in playing at various bridge clubs and was known for her competitive spirit in pitch games. She proudly passed on her card-playing skills to her children and grandchildren. Despite living with macular degeneration and being legally blind for over 23 years, Janice continued to lead an active, fulfilling life with an inspiringly positive attitude.

Janice was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of 54 years, David, her precious daughter Kathleen Anne, her parents, two brothers - James and Roger, six sisters - Genevieve, Trudy, Rita, Betty, Cappy, and Thalia. She is survived by her children, Barbara (Vic) Hinojosa of Fort Worth, Christie Pugh of Austin, Frank Pugh of San Marcos, and Mary Pat (Steve) Volk of Wimberley. She also leaves behind five grandchildren-Joshua Williams (Erin), Hank Williams (Christine), Chris Hinojosa (Missy), Lindsey Volk and David Volk, and seven great grandchildren who all called her "Jani". She had many beloved nieces and nephews and other family members who all adored her.

We are deeply grateful for the loving care provided by Gracie Olivo, Elva Castillo, Letty Reyes, and Prisma Blacke; also Dr. Bill Voelter, Dr. Mark Sivley, Dr. Victor Hudman and Kathryn Wilson, NP; and most recently, Jessica and Heather from Alpha Omega Hospice. Special thanks to Steve Gibbs, Terry Grant, goddaughter Mary Terry Hector, Becky Childress, Kathy Blevins, and all her dear friends!

Visitation with family will be held Thursday, August 22 from 5-7 pm at the Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Funeral mass will be Friday, August 23 at 11:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Fred Nawarskas and Father Nilo Nalugon officiating. Private graveside services for family will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Vic Hinojosa, Steve Volk, Joshua Williams, Hank Williams, Chris Hinojosa and David Volk. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the charity of your choice.

Janice leaves us with wonderful lifelong memories but still leaves a big hole in our hearts and lives.