Donald and Doreen Hudson

Donald was born on August 27, 1929 in Stamford Connecticut to Paul and Nellie Hudson. Doreen Hudson was born Doreen Nicole Oderkirk on July 18, 1947 in Cando, ND, the daughter of Dorn and Edith Eileen Engstrand Oderkirk.

They were married on April 26, 1980 and were true life-long companions and friends. They were married 34 years and worked side by side at their business Respond Systems. They loved to travel, especially on cruises and were in love with Italy.

Donald attended High School in Stamford, Connecticut graduating in 1947. Upon graduation he became employed by the Southern New England Telephone company where he worked for over 40 years before retiring. He attended night school with full scholarship at Cooper Union in New York and graduated in 1951 with a degree in electrical engineering. In 1952 he married Betty Hudson of Stamford Connecticut and they moved to New Haven. On October 21 1952 he enlisted in the US Army where he served as a Staff Sergeant and was a veteran of the Korean War. He served his country for 2 years until September 15 1954. He and Betty moved to Branford Connecticut where they raised two children before moving to Madison in 1968. In 1976 he and Betty amicably ended their marriage and Don went on to retire and found his own company, Respond Systems, in Branford Connecticut which have continued to operate for over 20 years.

Donald was a life-long artist and sculptor working in all mediums, participating in local art societies and shows. His work span 5 decades. He was an avid reader with a special interest in war history. He loved his gardens, his beloved family, and his pets.

After moving with her family from Iowa to Florida, Doreen graduated from Mainland HS in Daytona Beach. She began a career at SNET and ATT in New Haven shortly after moving to CT, working as an operator, and eventually a marketing executive. Once in CT Doreen married Tom Richardson and they had a son in 1976. Doreen and Tom have remained lifelong friends.

In 1986 Doreen joined Don at Respond Systems, the company he had founded in 1983. In support of their fledgling business, Doreen went back to school, proudly receiving her B.S. in Business Administration from Skidmore College, and her Electronics Technician Certification from CSE. Doreen and Don worked side by side as owners of Respond for almost 30 years growing it into a thriving family business manufacturing and selling veterinary therapy equipment.

Doreen's passion for her family and for her work were evident to all who were blessed to know her. Doreen loved her daily garden walks with Don, where they'd be trailed by faithful cats and their most beloved dog, Gabby. She found great joy in the time spent with her Granddaughter, Rowan, and loved her family with boundless energy, filling the kitchen with cards from her loved ones near and far. She loved to cook, and found inspiration in her travels with Don. Her generosity of heart and spirit touched each and every person who knew her and was evident in the beaming smile that lit up every room she stepped into.

Donald is survived by his son, Todd Hudson and wife, Tamara Greenleaf of Happy Valley, Oregon; Daughter, Leigh Catherine Hudson of Princeton, Massachusetts; Former son-in-law Art Zins of Boylston, MA, and two grandchildren (of Leigh and Art’s marriage) Christopher Elliot Zins , currently at UCONN and Jonathan Albert Zins of Princeton, MA; His former wife, Betty Hudson of North Branford Conn.; His Brother and Sister in law, Paul and Franny Hudson of Florida and two nephews from that Marriage, Thomas and Richard.

Doreen is survived by her Son, Brian Richardson, his wife Lisa Miksis and their Daughter Rowan Richardson, of Madison, her sister Mary Keesling, of Tampa, FL, her brothers Paul and Randall Oderkirk, of Iowa, her nieces Shonda Oderkirk, Shimane Oderkirk Hamer and her nephews Wendell M. Oderkirk and Paul Keesling.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday September 13th from 9:30-11:30am at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Rd., Madison. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at noon in the Lutheran Church of Madison, 9 Britton La., Madison. Burial will follow in West Cemetery, Madison with a reception to follow at the Madison Senior Center. Donations in their name can be made in lieu of flowers to either the Connecticut Humane Society or Heifer International. To sign the on line guest book visit www.swanfuneralhomemadison.com.