Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Hudson

 

Mary Elizabeth Flatow Savage Hudson passed away June 19, 2009 in Missoula, while living at Hunters Glen Retirement Home. Betty, daughter of Henry and Marie Woare of Chester, born in Great Falls on February 22, 1921.  While living in Chester, she enjoyed life with her brother Allan and sister Dolly.  In 1934, the family moved to Helena.  Betty graduated from Helena High School in 1938 after attending high school in railroad cars, because of an earthquake.  After graduation, Betty worked for the telephone company for two years.  In 1939, she married Marvin Flatow of East Helena.  Two sons, Gary and Henry were born of this marriage.  Marvin passed away in 1942.

Betty worked in Helena for many years, first with the State Liquor Control Board, then with Carson Construction, C Howard Waldon, a CPA, 11 years for Cliff Stump Sporting Goods and 1 year at the Clem Anderson Oldsmobile dealership.

Betty married Eugene Savage in 1960.  They travel for many years, leasing the Rocky Point Lodge in Polson for many summers.  During the other part of the year, they resided in Laguna Beach CA, where Betty attended art school and the Orange Coast College, expanding her art skills.  In 1968, they purchased their home in Polson.  Gene passed away in 1978.  After his death, she returned to work for Hib Hanson, president of the First Security Bank.

Betty married Raymond Hudson in 1981.  Betty and Ray enjoyed golfing, gardening and painting.  Raymond Hudson passed away June 1998.

In Polson, Betty taught artwork for three years in Dixon and two years in St. Ignatius.  She taught art education classes at the Polson high school and many adult art classes in her home.  She was instrumental in the establishment of the Sandpiper Gallery in Polson.  She brought the First Little Festival of the Montana Institute of Art to Polson and started the Little Festival, held each summer in Polson.

Betty’s art works are known through out Montana.  Her works have been displayed in five different galleries in Montana. Many of her paintings have found homes throughout the continental United States, in Hawaii and abroad.    She used to say that her fondest memories were of painting at Flathead Lake.  She stated, “I have learned not to paint for others, but to satisfy the inner person in myself.  If others like my work, I am pleased”.    

Her home was always occupied by animals.  For many years, she was accompanied by Siamese cats.  Her love of animals was boundless.  She enjoyed her home for the last few years, relying on Joan St. John to aid her in many tasks.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, and her husbands.  She is survived by her sons, Gary of Missoula, Henry (Kim) of Helena, sister, Dolly Eschenberg of Helena; grandchildren, Keeley (Samir) Flatow-Fahoum of Arlington Va. (US Air Force), Marnie (Stephen) Salt, London UK, Brent, Glasgow, Heidi (Brien) Gault, Glasgow, Kevin and Henry, of Helena; and three great grandchildren, Kyra and Autumn of Glasgow and Jonathon of London UK.  She also leaves her cat, Sonya and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday June 24, 2009 from 9 am to 5 pm in the Grogan Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held 11:00 am, on Thursday June 25, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church 301 4^th Ave E, Polson.  Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.

 Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Memorials in Betty’s name may be made to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter, 36251 N. Reservoir Rd, Polson, or to the Sandpiper Gallery, Polson MT.