Frances Annette Hudson

It is with deep sadness that the family of Frances Annette Hudson, 81, of Englewood, CO, announces her passing at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood after a long illness. At her side was her former husband James C. Hudson.

Fran was born in Fosston, MN, on July 22, 1943, to Grunde and Evelyn (Logdahl) Austad. She grew up on her parents farm near Oklee, MN, and graduated 2nd in her Oklee High School Class of 1962.

She attended St. Cloud State College, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology, and earned a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Northern Colorado in 1975.

In 1965, she raised her hand in Minneapolis to be commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the Women’s Army Corps, and graduated later that year from Officer Basic Training at Ft. McClelland, near Anniston, Alabama.

Her first assignment was Commander of the 14th Army Band (WAC), a position she held until 1968.

She then served as Protocol Officer at the Presidio of San Francisco, 6th Army Headquarters. There, she worked for four Generals.

From 1968 to 1971 she served in Nuremberg, Germany as Public Information Officer, Theater Army Support Command, directing eight public affairs offices across Bavaria. Among Generals she worked for was General George S. Patton, III.

She attained the rank of Captain, and was released from active duty in April, 1971, to reside in Littleton, CO with her husband, James Hudson, whom she married in 1970. In 1979, their son, Jeremy, was born in Littleton.

In Denver, she directed the National Alliance of Business from 1977 to 1980.

Fran later served as a rehabilitation counselor at the Easter Seals Society of Denver, and the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Those who knew Fran will never forget her love for riding Arctic Cat snowmobiles during frequent visits with extended family in Oklee and Wildwood, MN; her friendship with many former WAC Army Corp Band members at reunions at Ft. McClelland, and the joy for life she shared with her ‘girls group’ whose members traveled to countless Bed and Breakfasts and celebrated many birthdays together for over four decades.

Fran was an avid reader, dog lover (Sammy misses her, too), legislative advocate for veterans and their loved ones, and crafter. She especially enjoyed crocheting toys for children and embroidering hats and other clothing, which she gifted to friends and family and sold at craft fairs under her Wildwood Enterprises label. Fran loved to bake Christmas cookies, and create resplendent Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for family and friends.

Like all the Austads and Logdahls, Fran was extraordinarily handy, and wherever she worked was always the go-to person for mechanical problems with printers, copiers, computers, and other equipment.

She had a deep passion for life, and a generosity toward all who knew her.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents Grunde and Evelyn, and brother Vincent.

She is survived by her former husband, James, and son, Jeremy; her brother Vincent’s wife, Ruthella; her brother David and his wife, Joyce; her sister-in-laws Jeanne Kula and Christina Stambaugh; and brother-in-law, Gary Hudson; as well as many nieces and nephews, and their children.

Family and friends will join together in Englewood, CO, in May, 2025, to celebrate Fran’s remarkable life. [Time and place TBD]