Polly Antoinette Hudson

Polly Antoinette Hudson, 75, departed this life on April 17, 2020, following an extended illness. Borrowing from lyrics of her favorite artist, Aaron Neville, Polly would often say, “It takes who I was and where I’ve been to make me who I am; therefore, I am BLESSED WITH FEW REGRETS!”

Polly was born in Bethel, OH, and lived in Shippensburg, PA, during her childhood years, graduating from Shippensburg Area High School in 1962. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Wanda Swope.

Polly leaves to mourn her loss her beloved family—sons, Richard (Jill) Hudson of Foothill Ranch, CA, and David Wright (Stephanie) of Beaumont, TX; daughter, Robin Hudson of Morrisville, NC; grandsons, Jason (Jasmine) Hudson of Las Vegas, NV, and Caden Hudson of Foothill Ranch, CA; granddaughters, Nadia Hudson of Morrisville, NC, and Makenna Hudson of Foothill Ranch, CA; in Beaumont, TX, one grandson, Davin, and two granddaughters, Zametria and Delaja; and, finally, one adored great-grandson, Isaiah Shakur Hudson of Las Vegas, NV.

In addition, Polly is survived by two very devoted and loving sisters, Sanda Graham of Creedmoor, NC, and Pat Reed of Greencastle, PA, as well as beloved siblings John Swope (Debra) of Raleigh, NC; Barbara Beitsch (Ray) and Don Swope (Tammy), both of Shippensburg, PA; a very special sister-in-law, Lola Morris of Raleigh, NC, and a host of loving and adored nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Polly lived her adult life in New Jersey, Texas, and, since 1979, in Raleigh, NC, before moving in January to Orange County, CA, near her son. She obtained an undergraduate degree from Monmouth College and an MBA from Duke University. She was awarded her Certified Public Accountancy license in 1987. In 2004, she retired as Vice President of Business Systems of Invensys, PLC, in Raleigh, and then operated her own consulting firm until her full retirement in 2009.

Polly joined Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh in 1997, where she served as a Stephen Minister and participated in the homeless ministry and homebound communion activities. She especially treasured her service in the prison ministry, where she mentored incarcerated women until they fulfilled obligations and transitioned back into the local community. A number of these young women became lifelong friends, and Polly realized that she gained far more from knowing these awesome ladies than she ever gave. Along with church activities, Polly served for a number of years as Chair of the Community Resource Council at Raleigh Correctional Center for Women and as Chair of the Patients and Family Advisory Board for the UNC Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chapel Hill, NC.

Over time, Polly became a focused, dedicated business executive, recognized for her strong work ethic and dedication to her company, her work, and her staff. Though it seemed Polly was totally devoted to her career and her community service activities, those who knew her well realized that she had a far more abundant and cherished role as Nana, Nanny, Gigi, Aunt Polly or “Poddie,” the “Field-trip Auntie” and “Candy Lady.” Her love of ALL of the children in the family and the time spent with them brought her far more joy than anything else she did. As a young single mom when both time and financial resources were scarce, she would dash out of work on a Friday evening so that she, Rick, and Robin could make their weekly McDonald’s runs. As her children grew and the family expanded to include grandchildren as well as nieces, nephews, “bonus” kids, and her children’s classmates, her love of children and focus on them grew. Whether it was coordinating family reunions or field trips to museums, nature preserves, theme parks, and aquariums, Polly was always bringing the children together to broaden their horizons— Disneyworld and Disneyland, Busch Gardens, Great Wolf Lodge, the NC State Fair, the pumpkin farm—all to bring big smiles to happy little faces. She would send her own children and grandchildren, and sometimes others, to sports camps, sporting events, and fishing and beach trips to introduce these little ones to new hobbies and skills and ensure them memorable opportunities.

Polly adored the children in her family—especially, of course, her own children, her beloved grandchildren and great-grandson, but also her many special and beloved nephews, nieces and “bonus” kids--those who were acquired in customary family fashion but also those who were drawn into her circle of love by virtue of just being there. How she loved all those kids and time spent with them was truly the highlight of her life.

Polly’s final wish was that all of these little ones in our collective families would continue to be loved, respected, embraced, and supported as they grow and continue their life journeys. She lived and embodied family first, most particularly as it relates to children, and would like to be remembered for the impact she made on all of our lives.

A celebration of Polly's life will be held at a later date

Of all God’s gifts there is none so precious, so valuable, as that of a child.