HUGO, Miriam J., age 88

Died: Tuesday, January 6th, 2015

Funeral Service:  A private burial will take place in Mansfield Memorial Cemetery in Ohio.

Miriam Jeanne Hugo, age 88, died on Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Eau Claire.

She was born on February 28, 1926 to the late James and Gladys (Bartlett) Hugo in Pittsburgh, PA. Her family moved to Mansfield, Ohio when she was a child and spent the rest of her growing up years there. In 1944, she graduated from Mansfield Senior High School and went on to obtain her bachelor's degree in art education from Miami University in Oxford, OH in 1948.

For many years Jeanne taught art while working on her master's degree in educational psychology, which she earned from Ohio State University-Columbus in 1953. She was employed at Columbus Children's Psychiatric Hospital in Ohio and then as an elementary school psychologist and counselor in Miami, Florida. In 1969, she completed her doctorate in guidance and counseling from Ohio State University-Athens. A year later, she joined the faculty of UW-Eau Claire as a counseling psychologist with the university's counseling center and in 1984 was named Associate Dean of Students; holding that position until her retirement in 1991.

Jeanne was active in community affairs and volunteer work well into her retirement. She was involved in the establishment of Refuge House (now Boulton Refuge House) for victims of domestic violence; worked with NOVUS, a self-help group for abusive males; trained volunteers in counseling skills to help elderly and physically disabled people; and was an active member of Clear Water Kiwanis for many years, among many other volunteer activities. She generously supported many organizations, especially those dealing with women's issues and animal welfare.

In her retirement years, Jeanne greatly enjoyed traveling the U.S. and abroad with her companion, Edna Hood, and other friends. She made many trips to England and France as well as other places in Europe.

Jeanne survived by her brother, Dale Hugo of Hilliard, OH; as well as her many friends who will miss her greatly. She was preceded in death by her brother, James H. Hugo; sister-in-law, Bettie Hugo; and her dear friend, Edna Hood.