Obituary of Elaine T. Hudzik

Elaine T. Hudzik If you lived in our community and travel along Park or Woodland Avenues, chances are you've passed our neighborhood. How would you remember? Most definitely by the sight of the unusually large group of friends gathered in a circle of chairs beneath a stately old Maple tree on the front lawn of Frank and Elaine Hudzik's property. This ritual of gathering in a circle started a decade ago whether for idle chatter, to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries, pot luck dinners, holiday celebrations, you name it, we had a party for it! At the center of the circle was our Matriarch Elaine Hudzik. Laine as she preferred to be called was blessed to have her own family; her faithful husband Frank, and devoted daughter Sharon and son Maxmilian, however; she opened her heart and arms to all of those blessed to live in the special neighborhood. She was a source of support, guidance and comfort that only a mother could provide. Laine was a parental figure and cherished friend to Lisa, Mike, Doreen, Eugene, Sandy, Joe, Ivy, Rich, Mary and Dave. She embraced the love of all nine-neighborhood children: Kayla, Christa, Julianna, Joey, Samantha, Katie, Sarah, Holly, and Katherine, allowing her to be their grandmother right next door. She was the force that joined the neighborhood together fostering a sense of security shared amongst the families. She was the prayer warrior of the neighborhood- one you could go to with a prayer request and she would pray. She attended Terrill Road Bible Chapel, in Fanwood, where she worshiped since she was a child. Laine loved to travel…yearly trips to Bermuda, Jamaica, and other sunny destinations. On Wednesday night, this family gathered in celebration of the life of this wife, mother, grandmother, friend and Matriarch. This bittersweet passing has broken our hearts but we all find peace in knowing that she is with the Lord. Our ritual of gathering under the protection of "Laine's Tree" is far from over. One chair will remain empty, but her presence will be forever felt in our hearts.