Carole Hudson

Dimondale, MI

Carole passed away on Thursday, November 5th, 2026, at the age of 91. She was born on her grandmother’s farm in Vassar, MI. She grew up in Caro, MI, where she met John “Jack” Hudson, the love of her life. They married and settled in Lansing, where they raised their 4 daughters. They enjoyed and celebrated 60 years of marriage together, as partners, companions and friends.

Carole was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an excellent seamstress, cook, homemaker, and gardener. Her meals were made from scratch and friends and relatives, alike, often looked forward to having their “favorites” when they visited—like homemade soups, lasagna, lemon meringue pie, and holiday favorites like frosted homemade bunny rolls and Christmas rock candy in many flavors. Daughters’ clothing was often handmade, even making matching housecoats for all 4 young daughters one Christmas. As the daughters grew, Easter dresses and prom dresses were also often handmade; always a point of pride.

Carole took great pride in providing a comfortable yet simple homelife for her family. Needs were nurtured and individuality was valued. She set high standards for herself and she taught her daughters by example. She was resourceful, creative but never wasteful. She instilled the difference between wants and needs, early on, and lived by the foundational principle of living within one’s means. She valued the development of her daughters’ interests, transporting them to endless music lessons, band practices, play practices, swimming lessons and more. Through it all, her graciousness of delivering in all areas of her life was not only generous and admirable; it was simply who she was.

Carole was empathetic to the needs of the less fortunate, and was known to prepare care packages to families in need. She had a wisdom of the world that seemed innate, identifying society’s challenges and inequities well. She lived with a mindfulness of those who were less fortunate and most vulnerable, and she gave generously to organizations that mitigated those challenges.

Carole would eventually go to work for the State of Michigan, retiring after many years. She enjoyed the relationships with coworkers, and remained connected with them beyond retirement. At that time, Carole and Jack moved to Dimondale, where they enjoyed a community of friends, and kind, thoughtful neighbors.

Whether tending her gardens or gazing into a tree of autumn tones, against a vivid blue sky, nature touched Carole deeply. She loved a quiet peaceful snowfall against a night sky. She loved spring as a season of awakenings, and adored the crocuses and daffodils that greeted her outside her door, with every passing year. Carole was in awe of nature. She saw such beauty in a single rose from her garden placed in a simple pewter vase or rose bowl. She saw the extraordinary in the ordinary. Once retired, Carole and Jack took the time to travel throughout the country including to Hawaii, to areas renowned for their natural beauty.

When not traveling, they could often be found enjoying and supporting their 10 grandchildren’s interests: school events, soccer games, hockey games, school plays, choir concerts, commencements, and more. To Carole, each grandchild brought their own uniqueness, talents and passions. She loved each one wholeheartedly. Collectively, they brought her joy beyond measure. She was an exceptional hostess and her family gatherings felt inviting and warm, with many special touches. She was in her element when gathering with her family. At times, her normally quiet demeanor gave way to bouts of joyful laughter that seemed to come from her toes. She was fun and funny. A great gathering was often topped off with a game of Trivial Pursuit, where Carole’s breadth of knowledge was revealed. You always wanted her on your team!

Carole is survived by her daughters, Jill (Gordon) Reynolds, Jan (John) Peralta, Julie (David) Kenyon, and Shari (Ken) Dudley; 10 grandchildren: Nicholas (Heidi) Reynolds, Chad Reynolds, Keri Haidamous (Dan Johnson), Kate (Scott) Francis, John (Sara) Peralta, Jaymes Kenyon, Joel (Kelly) Kenyon, Elysse (Adam) Christenson, Bruce Dudley and Laura Dudley, as well as 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Lois (Charles) Spaulding and Brenda Brock; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a very dear lifelong friend, Kay (Cookenmaster) Kay, of Saginaw, MI. Kay remained committed and connected in friendship with Carole until the end, and was consistently supportive of Carole’s family, as they cared for her. Carole was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack, in 2015. May their reunion be blissful. The legacy that Carole leaves behind is one of wonderful memories, laughter, and love, that will guide her family for generations. She will be greatly missed, and forever loved.

Heartfelt gratitude is extended to the caregivers and administrators of Green Acres of Mason, for their exceptional, kind, compassionate and loving care of Carole in her final days.

To honor Carole’s wishes, there will be no funeral services.

For those desiring, donations in Carole’s memory may be made to Ele’s Place of Lansing, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.