Hattie was often referred to as the conscience, or the heart, of Fremont Bank. The mere fact that she is described in this regard tells you a lot about her immense kindness. It saddens us to lose Hattie, but we hope you find the joy we do when reflecting on her contributions to the bank, our associates, and the communities we serve. Fremont Bank has always been community minded, but Hattie transformed our charitable efforts into a clearly focused and goal-driven foundation. Many years ago, Hattie was asked by our founder, Morris Hyman, to establish the Fremont Bank Foundation. And while today, the Fremont Bank Foundation is widely recognized as a top Bay Area charitable foundation, it was Hattie who worked tirelessly to understand her father’s vision and bring it to life. To Hattie it was clear that as a community bank, our objective was first and foremost to help people. So many Bay Area communities are better because of Hattie. There would be no Morris and Alvirda Hyman Center for Business and Technology at Ohlone College, no Aqua Adventure Waterpark, and no Morris Hyman Critical Care Pavilion if it weren’t for Hattie. Under Hattie’s leadership, the Fremont Bank Foundation contributed to local school systems, supported homeless individuals and seniors, and so much more. Hattie was passionate about supporting underserved and disenfranchised people in their greatest time of need. She understood how critical it was to support the local community and nonprofit agencies that built strong communities through their philanthropic efforts, and she worked diligently to ensure they had the resources they needed to do their critical work. The positive impact Hattie made on local communities is extraordinary, but it’s just a portion of Hattie’s legacy. Hattie often said that her joy and motivation came from the people around her. When she first came to
the bank, there were very few women in leadership positions. Hattie was incredibly impressed with the talent of the women who worked here, and she wanted their voices heard. So, in 1998, she established the Women’s Leadership Group. Hattie’s goal was to provide a supportive environment that addresses the unique challenges and circumstances women face and to build a network of successful women and heighten their visibility as leaders of the bank. Hattie dedicated herself to this cause, and through her mentorship and commitment, she accomplished her goals. Today, the Women’s Leadership Group continues to thrive, and we are proud to see additional groups created, including the Women’s Protégé Group and the Women’s Mentorship Group. Hattie’s contributions continued as a board member of Fremont Bank, where she sat on numerous committees. She was a staunch advocate for Fremont Bank remaining an S-Corp, and for continuing to share the profitability of the bank with shareholders, including all Fremont Bank associates, through the ESOP. Hattie truly loved people. She loved the associates at this company. She loved the nonprofit organizations she worked so closely with. She loved the residents of our communities, so many of whom she got to know personally. And they all loved Hattie. Hattie will be remembered for many things. She’ll be remembered for the impact she has made in the community, for the joy she brought to people’s lives, and for the countless people she has mentored and inspired. Hattie’s legacy of community giving is carried on by her son, Brian Hughes, through his leadership of the Fremont Bank Foundation and our nonprofit banking. Her legacy is also carried on by all of you, the Fremont Bank associates, who she loved so dearly.
Mom's way of life is through live, love, and laugh.
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Hattie Hyman-Hughes’ passing. Hattie passed peacefully and surrounded by family.
Brian Hughes, Alan Hyman, and Howard Hyman
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FREMONT BANK
CELEBRATING HATTIE HYMAN-HUGHES
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