ST. CLOUD, Fla. – Dorothy “Dottie” Sandford Hudson, 78, of St. Cloud, Fla., and formerly of Ewing, N.J., passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, with her loving daughter, Courtney by her side.

The fifth of seven children, Dorothy was born at home on Nov. 29, 1941, to Eli Scott Sandford and Ionia (Lapp) Sandford. As a child, she and her siblings worked at their family’s business, Sandford’s Luncheonette on Pennington Road, Ewingville, N.J. A graduate of Ewing High School, she was a majorette and a member of several student groups. Dorothy never missed a day of school, except for one day, when she skipped a day of high school with her girlfriends to dance on American Bandstand.

Her first jobs were at Security National Bank and Oxzyn Cosmetics Company. She was also the bookkeeper for her first husband’s (Donald G. Snook Sr.) auto repair business, Palmer’s Atlantic, in Ewingville, N.J.

In 1966, her son, Donald, Jr., was born. She later moved to Maine, residing in the towns of Windham and Raymond, in the Sebago Lake Region. There, she worked in her sister and brothers-in-law’s family business, Red Sands Restaurant, where she would meet her future husband, Robert C. Hudson. The couple married in 1972. In 1976, she welcomed their daughter, Courtney. Dorothy managed the couple’s business, Hudson’s Floor Coverings, for over 35 years. Their home was always a welcoming place for any and all family. As foster parents, they gave care and shelter to many children for nearly 30 years, both in Maine and Florida. The couple moved to St. Cloud, Fla., where prior to retirement, Dorothy led a chapter of the Red Hat Society and worked for the local grade school, known affectionately as, “The Lunch Lady.”

A deep faith in God guided Dorothy’s life. Growing up in Ewing, N.J., she was a member of the Ewing Presbyterian Church and in her later years, she and Robert became members of the Assembly of God Church in Gray, and founding members of the Windham Assembly of God Ministries in Windham. Dorothy enjoyed collecting dolls of all types and cherished her friends and family.

Dorothy is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Robert C. Hudson Sr.; beloved son and daughter, Donald G. Snook Jr., and Courtney Hudson-Ahadi. Also, cherished children by marriage, Leanne, Robert Jr., Suellen, Julianne and their spouses; along with 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Dorothy is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Eli “Spud” Sandford Jr., LeBert “Bert” Sandford, Edith “Sandy” Donnelly, Lois Bennett, Harry “Bucky” Sandford, Linda Rooks; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial and graveside services will be held at a future date.

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