Eleni S. Dudley

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 October 2025 at 6:07 pm

ALBION – Eleni Starche Dudley, beloved bride of Hugh Dudley, passed to her eternal rest on Monday, October 13, 2025.

Eleni was born in 1935 in Salonika, Greece. Her family was forced to leave their work at the American Farm School in 1939, and settled in their family home in Lake George, NY. After high school, she studied Home Economics at Cornell University.

Eleni and Hugh married in July, 1955, and moved to Albion, NY, where they purchased a farm to raise crops, livestock, mums, Christmas trees, and their six children. While Hugh was teaching full time, Eleni was running the farm. She was also a gifted seamstress, quilter and knitter. She was a deeply committed Christian; active in church leadership, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and women’s groups. She was wise and creative, industrious and tender. As the center of warmth, welcome and good humor, she always made home happy.

Eleni is pre-deceased by her parents, Christo and Martha Starche; and her grandson, Theodore Farwell.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Hugh G. Dudley; siblings, Sophia Morton, Christine Gunder, and Nicholas (Paula) Starche; her children, Pam (Richard) Farwell, Keith (Mary) Dudley, Naomi (Norman) Caldwell, Kerry (James) Panek, Darryl (Thomas) Smith and Kurt (Kelly) Dudley; 22 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren. All will miss her deeply.

The extended Dudley family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care of Hospice of Orleans, Medina Memorial Hospital and very special caregivers during her final weeks. A worship celebration of Eleni’s life, with music and praise, will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 3 p.m. at the West Barre Church, 5377 Eagle Harbor Rd, Albion, NY.

Memorial donations in Eleni’s honor can be directed to one of the following: Ted Farwell Memorial Fund, Stillwater Christian Church, 39 McMichael Street, Stillwater, PA 17878; Hospice of Orleans,14080 Route 31 West, Albion, NY 1441; Buffalo City Mission, 100 E. Tupper Street, Buffalo, NY 14203; Or to Children’s Hospital of your choice.

Eleni’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Cooper Funeral Home 215 West Center St. Medina, NY.

Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.