Remembering Noni

HUDSON, Elda (Grion)
Age 86
Of Portage
Formerly Riverview, MI

After living a beautiful happy life, died in her home with her loving husband of 65 years, J.R., by her side. Elda was born in Capriva del Friuli, Provence of Gorizia, in the Italian region Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, to Felice and Maria (Pagani) Grion on Christmas Eve, 1924. She grew up among her family's vineyards in the Collio wine region, riding her bike, singing in the choir and studying to be a seamstress. She was taking classes to learn how to design patterns so she could open her own dress shop when World War II put an end to her plans. However, God had a different purpose for her life. In a beautiful castle she met J.R. Hudson, an American soldier from Arkansas who was stationed in her town near end of the War. They courted, fell in love and were married in Naples, Italy where their first child was born in 1946. Coming to America as a war bride, Elda lived with J.R. in Arkansas and then Texas, where their first set of twins was born in 1947. From there, they moved to St. Louis and then to Connecticut, where their second set of twins was born in 1961. Elda worked as a seamstress, sewing on fine fabrics in boutiques, for private clients and even a furrier. Along with her talent for sewing, Elda also had the gift of beauty, modeling in fashion shows. One of her greatest talents was cooking and care giving. She cooked delicious, plentiful meals and passed this gift on to her children. Most of all, she enjoyed taking care of her children and her grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy than cradling and caring for babies. Elda also had a great devotion to her Catholic faith and instilled a love for Jesus, Mary and praying the rosary, in each of her children. Elda was preceded in death by her brother Gino, sister Vilma, son-in-law Jon Kreulen, and infant granddaughter Sara McCormick. She is survived by her brother, Sergio Grion along with many family and dear friends in Italy, whom she has visited often over the years. Elda and JR had five children who all survive: Marisa (Roger) Schweitzer of Richland, James Hudson of Portage, Nancy (Lou) Kreulen-Wargo of Port Clinton, Ohio, Brenda (Cliff) Mulder of Portage and Linda (Mike) McCormick of Cypress, Texas. Affectionately known as Noni, Elda had a special relationship with her 18 grandchildren, Kurt (Charlene) Schweitzer, Kristin (Scott) Johns, Jason Kreulen, Andrea (Mark) Prebay, David Hudson, Dan Hudson, Nick Hudson, Bryan (Jessie) Mulder, Keith (Lisa) Mulder, Laurel Mulder, Philip Mulder, Camille Howard, Jared Howard, Mitchell Howard, Scott McCormick, Madison McCormick, Louie Wargo and Paula Wargo. Elda was blessed to hold her great granddaughter, Avery Prebay.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Elda's truly amazing caregivers, Connie Rose, Kim Coburn and Margarita Castro. These loving women unselfishly cared for Elda in her home, giving beyond what was called for, making her last years as dignified and happy as possible. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, December 16th from 6 PM to 8 PM with a Rosary at 7:30 PM at Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel 9170 East D Avenue (M89), Richland. A Mass of Resurrection will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 11 AM at St. Ann Catholic Church, 12648 East D Avenue, Augusta, with a luncheon to follow. Private interment will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and to the Alzheimer's Association . Personal messages for the family may be placed at
www.farleyestesdowdle.com.


Published in Kalamazoo Gazette from December 13 to December 14, 2011