Louise Eleanor (Vik) Hudson

Louise Eleanor (Vik) HUDSON

June 21, 1939 - February 26, 2023

With her family by her side, and after several years of valiantly and graciously battling dementia, Louise Hudson passed away at Quail Park Memory Care in West Seattle on February 26, 2023, at age 83. She is survived by her husband Len, her children Sean, Sherry (Dave), Kevin (Juli), and Meg (Nancy), her sister Linda (John), and her grandsons Max, Austin, and Henry.

Louise was born to Lindy and Arthur Vik, at Seattle's Swedish Hospital. Her mother was a nurse, and her father worked for the state highway department. The family soon moved to Everett, where their two daughters (who remained as loving friends throughout their lives) attended public schools, Louise graduating from Everett High School in 1957. Louise played the violin in the school orchestra, was in the scholastic honor society, participated in school government, and took part in school-wide musical activities and performances. She was in the Everett Seagals pep club, and was voted Exchange Club Girl of the Year in 1955. Louise then attended Washington State University (then WSC), where she lived in the Regents women's dormitory, was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, and was selected the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi, graduating with a B.A. in education in 1961.

Louise first encountered Len one afternoon when he and his basketball buddies tried to get her to let them into the Everett High gym where she was taking a violin lesson. This initial interaction made a mutual impression, and Louise (15) and Len (16) started dating that year. After college Louise taught elementary school in Seattle's Shoreline District. She and Len were married in December, 1961, while Len was in his second year of medical school.

From 1964 to 1966 they lived in New York City where Sean was born in 1965. Louise did not initially want to move to New York, but she wound up loving the experience. She taught preschool in the same building in which they lived. They moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1966, and Sherry was born there the following year. In 1968 they returned to Seattle where Kevin was born in 1969. After a three-year stint in Denver they finally returned to Seattle in 1973 for good, buying a house in Madrona. In 1985 Margaret (Meg), came to live with them and was embraced and eventually adopted as a full-fledged member of the family.

Louise taught preschool in the home of a family friend in Madrona, and co-owned "Textures," a craft-art gallery in Madison Park. She taught English as a Second Language for seven years at South Seattle Community College, something she regarded as her most personally rewarding professional

experience—getting to know immigrants from nearly two dozen countries and cultures, and forging many lasting relationships in the process.

Anyone who interacted with Louise, whether family, friends, students or mere acquaintances, will never forget her unparalleled warmth, generosity, and grace. Such individuals would surely agree that Louise was the most warm-hearted, non-judgmental, unselfish, and accepting person they ever met. Many people gravitated to the Hudson household as a hub of kindness and comfort filled with music, art, food and warmth with Louise at its core. Her acceptance and openness not only brought many people together and gave a safe haven to friends and family, but it radiated outward and positively affected many people's lives. This is evidenced in the remarkable number of friends of the Hudson children that have contacted them, telling of being welcomed and embraced as part of the Hudson family, and how important Louise was to them in their formative years as a source of support and comfort as a surrogate mother.

One of Louise's biggest joys later in life was her outward and obvious love for her three grandchildren. Throughout her life she prioritized spending time with family and friends. Seeing her grandchildren and getting to know them was a special highlight for her.

A celebration of Louise's life will take place later this year. Those wishing to make a donation in her memory can make a memorial gift to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/alzwa) .

Please share memories, photos & condolences on the Tribute Wall, located above.

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle