In remembrance of Hugh Maxwell Nie (2023 - 2025)
Hugh was our cheerful and cherished baby boy. From the beginning, he brought boundless joy and brightened the day of those who knew him. With a big, infectious smile, Hugh spent his days strolling around his neighborhood, meeting friends for playdates and going to the Severna Park library.
The Anne Arundel County Public Library system played a big part in Hugh’s life, providing year-round activities he loved, like Babies in Bloom and Toddler Time, and fostering many of his friendships.
At home, Hugh loved to bumble around, flipping through his books, organizing his toys and cups, playing in his play kitchen and chasing his dog, Rosie. He loved having books read to him in the morning after breakfast and at night before bed. Some of his favorite books included the Little Blue Truck; Splish, Splash, Ducky!; and Duck & Goose Go to the Beach. His days were full of discovery, laughter and love.
Continuing to remember Hugh
A sincere thank you to everyone who came to Hugh's service. Our family was blown away by the support and love shown to our baby boy. We know he would be smiling seeing all of his favorite people. Hugh will be incredibly missed, but we want to continue to talk about him openly. Hugh will always be our oldest and first son. Please don't ever hesitate to share memories of Hugh with us.
Donations to Hugh's Corner
We have gotten in touch with the Anne Arundel County Public Library Foundation to raise funds for the library in Hugh’s memory.
Our vision is to create Hugh's Corner in the children's area of the Severna Park branch. We would like to enhance this section of the local library for all children to enjoy. It would mean so much to us if you made a donation in Hugh’s name.
Some additional details:
- Select the drop down indicating "My gift is in memory" of Hugh Nie under Additional Information
- Select any option for "My donation is for"
- The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 20-5804064) - everyone who donates will receive a tax letter
- If a donation by check is preferred, please contact Eddie (or Julie below) for the instructions
- Any questions may be directed to Julie Kizer Ball, Development Manager, at 410-222-2495 or jkizerball@aacpl.net
The direct link to donate in Hugh’s name can be found here:
Thank you and updates
Spring 2026 Update:
The Severna Park library has put in a temporary sign with some fun animals (and the easter egg of Hugh hiding amongst them). The first addition is a play kitchen, which was the toy that Hugh loved the most at the other libraries. He took joy in stacking and organizing, and tucking things away in cupboards.
The larger refresh of the entire library will occur later in 2026. In the meantime, the library continues to make small improvements for the benefit of kids who visit. One of the small rooms adjacent the kids section is being converted into a toy storage room for bins containing tactile toys for children. The library is also planning on enclosing the outside kids area to contain runaway toddlers!
We will continue to update this website with progress on Hugh's Corner.
Other News:
Our local newspaper, the Severna Park Voice wrote a wonderful article about Hugh: https://severnaparkvoice.com/stories/channeling-grief-for-good-severna-park-family-fundraises-for-library-transformation-following,68102
Our Congresswoman, Representative Elfreth, shared a heartwarming short 1-min speech about Hugh and Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) in the US Capitol:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOjAibdkYav/
Hugh loved adventures, the library, his dog, Rosie...
...his Joanna, his family and bringing joy to everyone.
He smiled constantly and brightened the day.
He was a helper, a reader and a "waddler" at the gym.
Hugh's laughs and giggles were unmatched.
We'll love you forever, Hugh.
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