Clare Hughes passed away peacefully June 9, 2026 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Lee Chin Yap was born in Seremban, then Malaya, an oldest child. She grew up there and in Kuala Lumpur from the age of 10. She attended the teacher’s college of the University of Malaya where she met William (Bill) Hughes, who was a visiting Professor in the new Department of Economics. They were married in 1965 and moved to Vancouver in December of that year. They moved to Washington DC in 1965, where they had two sons. The family had a brief stint in Jakarta, Indonesia 1971-73 and then settled in Victoria in 1975 where they built a house.
Bill died in 1978, and Clare started to work in various administrative roles in the Victoria School Board, the BC Legislature, and, for most of her career, in the Ministry of Education. She eventually retired in 2002.
Clare has always been passionate about her many activities. She hosted a weekly Monday bridge night at her home for 25 years. As well, she has been a frequent ballroom dancer and ardent tennis and then pickleball player. She was involved in Victoria crafting groups, primarily involving calligraphy and card making.
She was pre-deceased by her brothers Stephen and Paul. Clare leaves her sons Michael and Andrew, grandson Alexander and family in California and Malaysia including nephews and nieces Tien (David), Ming (Caroline), Seong (Kenneth), Gregory, and Geraldine.
A Memorial Service will take place Sunday, June 28 at 2 pm at Highgate Lodge, 1538 Cedar Hill X Road, Victoria, BC.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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