Joan Z. Hudson

Joan Z. Hudson, of Albion, went to be with the Lord peacefully on Jan. 26, 2020 after a very brief stay at Hospice of Orleans.

Joan was born in Kendall on May 17, 1929 to Dorothy and Earl Zorn. Her early years were spent at the County House, where her Dad was employed. Later, the family moved to the Albion Eagle Harbor Road farm, where she lived until completing her elementary education degree at Brockport State Teachers College. In the meantime, she attended the Gaines Basin Road one-room school and Albion High School.

Joan started her teaching career in Nunda, N.Y. On Aug. 12, 1950, she and William H. Hudson were married at First Baptist Church in Albion. In October 1951, Mark arrived, and Gail was born in February 1954. Once Mark and Gail were in school, Joan resumed her teaching career and taught kindergarten for many years in Albion.

Joan and Bill enjoyed almost 63 years of marriage. While family was always her first priority, Joan was very active in the life of First Baptist Church and, later, in Barre Center Presbyterian Church. She and Bill had a passion for traveling, which took them to many far-off places around the world. In addition to being an excellent cook, Joan enjoyed square dancing, bowling, collectibles, parties and outings with friends, and attending Bills games in the Super Bowl years. Joan was known for her quick wit and, at times, her uncontrollable fits of laughter.

Joan was predeceased by Bill in 2013.

She is survived by Mark and Ellen Hudson of Louisville, Ky.; Gail and Bill Allen of Waterport; five grandchildren, Eric (Becky), Michael (Paula), Kory (Gina), Brian (Naomi), and Joanna (Jonathan); 10 great-grandchildren, Bailey, Dylan, Brady, Cody, Grace, Simon, Emma, Gabriel, Silas and Caleb; and nieces, Sharon and Barbara and their families.

The family would like to thank longtime neighbors Mike and Kyrs Elam for their help over the years. We would also like to thank the staff of The Willows for taking such good care of Mom, Granny and Great Grammy for the last 20 months, and Hospice of Orleans for the care they provided during Joan’s last days. Finally, a big thank you to Marita Dumrese, to whom Joan was affectionately known as “Zippy,” for the hours and hours of care and companionship.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later, warmer and less snowy date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joan’s name to Hospice of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion NY 14411.

Joan’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion NY 14411. To share a special memory of Joan, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.