Jacqueline "Jackie" Louise Hudson

Jacqueline Louise (Petty) Hudson March 31, 1939 – December 20, 2024

Jacqueline Louise Hudson, 85, passed away on December 20, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 31, 1939, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to Helen and Lawrence Petty. Jackie graduated in 1961 from Indiana State Teacher’s College (now Indiana State University) with a degree in Education.

While at ISU, she met Joe Hudson in 1958, and they were married on January 20, 1962, at the end of Joe’s first semester at IU School of Dentistry. Both being only children, they dreamed of a large family, and though they initially hoped for 12 children, they were blessed with four: Scott, Mark, John, and Katie, born between 1968 and 1973.

Jackie began her teaching career at Wheeler Elementary School in Speedway, IN in 1962 but left in late 1967 to focus on raising their growing family. She later returned to teaching in 1982, when all four children were approaching junior high and high school. Her teaching salary helped support their children's future college education, ensuring they could avoid student loans. She earned a master’s degree in education from Butler University and went on to teach kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades at various schools in MSD Wayne Township, including Maplewood, Westlake, and Stout Field. She retired in 2001.

Jackie was an active member of Chi Omega Sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, and the Indiana Retired Teachers Association. She participated in the Dollars for Scholars education committee in Speedway, and she was also a dedicated parishioner of St. Christopher Catholic Church.

Jackie was known for her warmth and kindness, with a remarkable ability to make friends wherever she went. She never met a stranger. She cherished spending time with her retired teacher friends, shopping for unique clothes with her friend Mary Ann, and walking the streets of Speedway with her best friend, Sue Jent. Jackie, Sue, and their friends eagerly looked forward to the annual 16th Street garage sales. Over the years, Jackie completed three Indy 500 Mini-Marathons with Joe and friends.

A devoted Indy 500 fan, Jackie attended her first race in 1964 and her last in 2024. She once told her family she would continue attending the race, even if it meant being pushed in a wheelchair, and in May 2024, she did just that. From 1987 to 1995, Jackie and Joe hosted over 300 of their children’s friends every race weekend, always claiming each party would be the last. Although a much smaller crowd, the annual party continues with each friend looking forward to seeing their favorite hosts.

After her children had finished their studies, Jackie and Joe traveled the world, visiting destinations such as China, Brazil, Alaska, and many European countries. Always ready for an adventure, Jackie was the first to pack her bag when an opportunity to travel arose.

In 2020, Jackie was diagnosed with colon cancer, but her indomitable spirit never wavered. She faced her illness with the same positivity and strength she displayed throughout her life. After ten weeks of hospice care, she peacefully passed away, surrounded by her loved ones.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Paradigm Hospice and the caregivers of Total Home Health Solutions who provided exceptional care during her final days: Susan, Dana, Linda, Helen, Chaunte, and Hannah.

Jackie is survived by her beloved husband, Joe; four children: Scott (Elisa), Mark (Shelley), John (Jennifer), and Katie Larson (Adam); and nine grandchildren: Bing, Ben, Ethan, Caroline, Sarah, Charlotte, Natalie Hudson, and Kylie and Graham Larson.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 27th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Flanner & Buchanan Funeral Center in Speedway. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Speedway on Saturday, December 28th, with calling hours beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at West Ridge Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made Scholarships for Speedway, Inc. 5300 Crawfordsville Road, Suite 200 Speedway, IN 46224 in memory of Jackie, or the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research in honor of her grandson, Graham.