Elizabeth "Bette" Justine Hudson

Elizabeth “Bette” Justine Willett Hudson Bette Hudson grabbed every bit of life that she could. Although some days she said she was 114, and probably felt that old, she passed away at the age of 100 February 5, 2021. Bette spent 62 years of her adult life in only two homes, first in Melrose, Massachusetts and then in Culpeper, Virginia, making up for a childhood of frequent moving within New England and Eastern Canada. After losing most of her hearing at age 6 due to complications from a bout with the measles, she learned to read lips, and used the available technology of the time, a hearing aid with the batteries and components in a separate case that had to be tucked into her clothing. Little did she know that many years later “cool” students with perfectly good hearing would spend hours tethered to similar devices. As an adult, she channeled her energies into homemaking and church activities, chairing committees and events. She showed her love for her family, friends, and church through homemade food, including meals, breads, desserts, and canned items. There was always plenty to eat at her house. She was preceded in death by her parents M. Adelaide Willett, who raised her, and Joseph T. Willett who missed out by taking off when she was young. Married to the late M. John Hudson, Sr., she never quite forgave him for passing away the year before their 50th anniversary. She is survived by many family members, including son, Merrill J. Hudson of Somerville, MA; daughters Beverly J. Baker (Bruce) of Culpeper, VA and Cheryl A. Hudson of Portland, ME; six grandchildren, Cinnamon A. Baker, Samuel H. Baker, Thaddeus R. Baker, Alexis Baker Benjamin, Max Freeman and Julia H.F. Shaw and eight great-grandchildren. The family plans to hold a private service post pandemic and would like to express our thanks to the care given by Hospice. In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial contributions to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911. If you want to think about Bette for a moment, listen to Fats Waller singing “Hold Tight, Hold Tight (Want Some Seafood, Mama)” and dance around the kitchen. Fond memories and condolences of Bette may be offered to thefamily by visiting clore-english.com. The Hudson family has entrusted Clore-English Funeral Home with these arrangements.