New Hope Councilwoman Remembered As A Visionary And A Leader

NEW HOPE BOROUGH, PA — New Hope Borough Councilwoman Laurie McHugh, who died on Monday in a traffic accident in Buckingham, is being remembered as a visionary, a leader, and an exceptional person.

McHugh, 58, the vice president of the New Hope Borough Council, died at St. Mary Medical Center after sustaining serious injuries in an accident on Route 413 near Upper Mountain Road involving a tractor trailer.

"It is with shock and profound sadness that New Hope Borough Council mourns the loss of its vice president, Laurie McHugh," reads a statement released on Tuesday by New Hope Borough.

An active member of the community, McHugh was first elected to Council beginning in 2016 and quickly earned a reputation as a thoughtful, fair, and professional representative of New Hope’s diverse residents and businesses.

In addition to her role as council vice president, McHugh served as council liaison to the shade tree commission and Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce, helped form the borough’s first Junior Council, and served on the ad hoc committees overseeing the visitor center and reviewing the borough’s parking needs.

"During the pandemic, Laurie took the lead in helping our restaurants and boutiques find innovative ways of operating during COVID-19 restrictions and ensuring that residents and visitors knew that New Hope was open for 'contactless' business,” said her borough colleagues.

McHugh came to Borough after a long career in international real estate investment. She was the co-founder of the Bucks County Dragon Boat Association, an internationally competitive organization dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive experience.

Just this year, McHugh’s latest project, Union Chill in Lambertville, New Jersey, opened its doors as the city’s first authorized craft cannabis dispensary. Her vision for this women-owned business centered on community integrity, social responsibility, and economic success.

Union Chill released the following statement on the death of its CEO and co-founder.

“The entire Union Chill family is filled with sorrow as we come to terms with this unexpected loss. Laurie's departure leaves a profound void in our hearts.

“Laurie's impact extended far beyond our organization. Her involvement as the vice president of the New Hope Borough Council and her co-founding role in the Bucks County Dragon Boat Association showcased her exceptional dedication to the community. These endeavors reflected her unwavering passion, experience, and vitality, which she also channeled into the establishment of Union Chill.

“During this challenging time, our thoughts are with Laurie's family, friends, and everyone who was lucky enough to have crossed paths with her. The funeral details will be communicated shortly as we work to honor her memory and celebrate her remarkable contributions.”

Her colleagues with the Bucks County Dragon Boat Association remembered McHugh as a "visionary, a leader and a dear friend who played an instrumental role in shaping the club into what it is today” and said they are “truly devastated” by the loss.

"Laurie was not only an exceptional person but also a true inspiration to all of us within Bucks," the association wrote on its Facebook page. "Her love for our club was infectious, her dedication unwavering and her spirit indomitable. Laurie will forever be remembered for her invaluable contributions both on and off the water.

"We are eternally grateful for the friendships, memories, and countless victories that Laurie brought into our lives. She was always there to lend a helping hand, motivate us during challenging times, and to celebrate our triumphs.

"Laurie’s legacy will continue to live on through the spirit of camaraderie and determination that she instilled within our dragon boat family. Her spirit will forever be etched in Bucks Dragon Boat history. Rest in peace, our dear friend. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten."

Memorial arrangements will be announced in the coming weeks.

Related Story

New Hope Borough Council VP Killed In Buckingham Crash