Obituaries

Rita Ann Hudson, age 96, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026. She was born September 3, 1929, in Sault Ste. Marie and grew up in Little Italy on Brown Street along with her ten siblings.

Rita raised her family in the Sault and worked at Michigan Bell for many years. Rita was also a familiar face at Rosini’s Restaurant when she worked there along with family members on the weekends to earn extra money and enjoy the camaraderie of her coworkers and customers.

Rita was a lifelong member of the Christopher Columbus Hall and enjoyed and participated in all of the activities the Hall had to offer. In addition, Rita was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings. If you stopped by to visit her, she always had one of the two on TV during their regular seasons.

Rita was preceded in death by her loving parents, John and Madeline Raffaele; along with her ten siblings, Roy, William, Helen, Olympia, Congetta, Robert, Theresa, Alan, Joeseph, and Eugene; her daughter, Stephanie; and her son, Randy.

Yet her legacy continued to shine through her surviving family, her son, James “Sonny” (Akemi) Gordon; daughters, Holly (Harry) Norquest and Tracey (Jon) Lounds. She is also lovingly remembered by her eleven grandchildren, Daniel Tadgerson, Drew Gordon, William Hersha Jr., Wrayanne Hersha, Roseanna Hanson, Harry Norquest II, Stephanie Lounds, Charles Lounds, Brandon Gordon, and Alex Gordon. Her influence also extended to many loved nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service to honor Rita’s life will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 12:00 Noon at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens, 15264 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, MI, 49783, where she will be laid to rest alongside many of the Raffaele family.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.