Donna Jean Hudson

On Thursday, August 3rd, 2023, Donna Jean Hudson, a loving mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of eighty-nine. She was in her home and under the loving care of her family, friends and Henry Ford Hospice. She is survived by her daughter Jean (Fai) Chan and son William (Sue) Hudson; four granddaughters - Amanda (Dan Chang) Chan, Rebecca (David) Hesser, Katie (Todd) Metz, and Kelli (Westley) Selby; and seven great-grandchildren - Isaac and Michael Chang, Brady and Bobby Hesser, Emily and Todd Metz and a soon to be Lola Selby. She will be missed by special friends Phil, Marissa and Anthony Gilbert and Barb Davis. She is preceded in death by her husband Ernest Hudson, son Scott Hudson, twin brother Donald Sanford, as well as brothers Jim and William Sanford and sister Leila Wallace. 

Born in Berkeley California to William and Olive Sanford, she married a Midwest farm boy, Ernest “Bud” Hudson. After Bud left the Navy, the young family moved to Michigan. Donna was embraced by the large Hudson family and quickly adapted to Midwest life. Bud and Donna made a home and enlarged their family in Michigan.

As a young woman, Donna’s goal was to be a good wife and mother, a job she took great pride in. If you needed to know how to remove a stain, bake apple dumplings, or can pickles, she could help you. She was a loving woman but also had strong opinions and wasn’t shy about sharing them. If you wanted an honest answer, you could always count on Donna. Outside of home, she worked for many years at Jackson County ISD as a teacher assistant with special needs students. Donna was also an avid volunteer, starting with cub scouts and many school activities. Her last endeavor - maybe her most meaningful - was as a bereavement counselor for 12 years with Henry Ford Hospice. An avid card player, you could find Donna at Euchre tables several days a week and she never missed her Friday hair appointments. Those who loved her will remember her homemade pies, that she sent a card for every birthday and anniversary, her beautiful scroll saw woodworking crafts, and her tenacious spirit.

A celebration of Donna Hudson’s life will be held at Cascades Manor on November 11th, 2023, visitation will start at noon, a service at 1 pm, and meal and visitation to follow.

Memorial contribution may be made to the Salvation Army or your local Hospices. 

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