Elizabeth Kathleen McHugh
Elizabeth Kathleen McHugh, born July 12, 1951, died peacefully on June 13, 2025, at her home with her cherished border collies Psyche, Rolex, and Vibe by her side.
Kathy was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, a graduate of Notre Dame High School and The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She was a dedicated teacher and administrator in both the Dalton and Chattanooga school systems, as well as an accomplished dog trainer and exhibitor.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William Patrick McHugh, Elizabeth Carey McHugh, a sister Susan McHugh, and a nephew Dale McHugh. She is survived by brothers Pat (Mary), Carey (Nancy), Mike (Doris) and Bob (Tracy) McHugh.
The funeral service will be on June 23, at 10 a.m. at St Stephenen Catholic Church at 7111 Lee Highway, Chattanooga. Father Mike Nolan will officiate. Pallbearers will be Patrick McHugh, Ryan McHugh, Matt McHugh, Brendan McHugh, Robert Barker, Sam McHugh, Nick Traini and Andrew Ackall.
The visitation will be at Chattanooga Funeral Home -East Chapel at 404 S Moore Road, East Ridge, from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, June 22.
Kathy was a gifted teacher and was dedicated to that cause her entire life whether it was in the classroom, where she taught math and science until her retirement or in the field of dog sports. She excelled at both! As a math and science educator in both public education and private schools, her students excelled. She later mentored newer teachers with training programs to assist them in their preparation as a classroom educator.
She was a consummate problem solver and a vocal cheerleader for many whom she mentored and assisted. She was tough! Kathy did not acknowledge obstacles: stubborn training issues were merely opportunities for improvement. Her faith in a person’s ability to succeed was legendary and she was easily distinguished in a crowd as being the one shouting encouraging words toward people facing a challenge in a competition or event.
In addition to teaching, Kathy’s passion was training her beloved dogs. She began training and competing at the tender age of nine. Her natural talent, easy-going manner, and success in the competitive world of dog sports made her a young celebrity. In her twenties, she was featured in renowned dog trainer Maxfield Parris’ book on dog training. She competed successfully at the top levels of dog obedience competition, including the Grand National Championships, and earned hundreds of obedience titles from the American Kennel Club. These included the highest level awarded, the coveted OTCH (Obedience Trial Champion) on eight different dogs of various breeds, earning Kathy a spot in AKC history that few have achieved.
After reaching the pinnacle of dog obedience, she turned toward sheep herding trials with her beautiful Border Collies, bringing her same dedication and excellence to that sport. Unfortunately, early on, she suffered a catastrophic ankle injury and was forced to look elsewhere for dog sports.
Dog agility competition provided the perfect outlet. She immediately distinguished herself in this new activity, and her dogs again, under her expert training, quickly rose to the top levels of this demanding sport. Kathy earned the prestigious MACH title on six dogs, and an invitation to the prestigious National Agility Championship, where she placed in the final rounds.
You always knew when Kathy was at an event, her voice would carry over the arena shouting encouragement and suggestions to the competing team. Her hallmark was to encourage and cheer for every single competitor, without regard as to their being a student or someone she had just met. She was the rare competitor that proved “nice guys can finish first”. Those that were lucky enough to know her well greatly benefited from her sixty-plus years of knowledge, her good humor, her problem-solving skills, and her generous heart.
Kathy also cared greatly for her beloved family. She doted on her parents and provided loving care for her mother and father as they aged. She lived with them, took care of them and gave them a safe and secure home. She thrived on occasions when the entire family, siblings, nieces and nephews, and others would gather for special occasions and holidays, decorating the house with beautiful embellishments, many of which she made. She was proud of her family and often bragged to friends about their many accomplishments.
Those who were blessed to call her friend will treasure the countless examples she demonstrated of how to live the best life. The most impressive life lessons were imparted simply by observing the manner in which she lived her own life. She was gifted with multiple talents, her dedication toward excellence and perseverance toward achieving her goals was inspirational. Yet in spite of the many impressive accomplishments she garnered, her loving, generous, and humble nature made her very approachable. She has left a huge hole in the hearts of countless people.
Kathy had a special place in her heart for her nephews and nieces: Patrick, Dale, Ryan, Carey, Christy, Robby, Andrea, Matt, Brendan, Katie and Sam. Aunt Kathy was special to all of them, and they cherished the time they spent with her.
Many thanks to her friends she had in the Dog Agility world and the love they expressed at her loss as well as helping the family capture her numerous successes and contributing their thoughts for her obituary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Humane Society, McKamey Animal Shelter, or a charity of your choice.