Notes:

Mathilda Aitken, our Mother, Mathilda Aitken April 18, 1915 - November 20, 2005. Tillie passed away peacefully on Sunday morning at home where she lived with her son and his wife, Warren Hudgens and Sharon Murphy.

Nana lived with Warren and Sharon for the past five years, with their five sons and two dogs. We believe her life was extended and enriched by the noise and voices of a busy household. Her daughter Susan and granddaughter Darcy, both of Port Angeles, also visited frequently.

Our mother was born in Russell, North Dakota. Her father was taken when she was three in the Influenza Epidemic of 1918. Her mother, Martha, raised five children in a simple, harsh, rural setting. Through the kindness of her Uncle Christ Zurcher, Tillie was able to graduate from Minot State Teachers College.

She began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse, teaching all 12 grades. She left North Dakota after the death of her first husband, Charlie, arriving in Seattle in 1945. She attended the University of Washington to further her education, majoring in history, and worked at the Frederick & Nelson credit department. She married Leland Hudgens in 1946. They relocated to Grandview, Washington where she and Lee had two children, Susan and Warren.

In 1956, Tillie returned to teaching in the Grandview public schools. She taught 4th grade and, later, sophomore English and journalism. In 1965, upon her divorce from Lee, she and Warren moved to Seattle. (Susan was at Stanford University.) Tillie taught at Jane Addams Junior High until her retirement in 1977. At Jane Addams, Tillie began an innovative program to help 8th graders who had difficulty reading. She remained close to many of her fellow teachers throughout her retirement.

In 1973, Tillie married Melvin Aitken. They lived together in their Richmond Beach home for 27 years. Their home was a hub for holidays and for countless gatherings of family. They were also close to and assisted by many neighbors, including Julene and Dr. Gary Pyfer. Tillie and Mel enjoyed travel (Europe, Australia and annual sojourns to Palm Desert). Tillie became expert in the game of duplicate bridge, spending many enjoyable days at the Women’s University Club and, later, at the Bainbridge Island Senior Center, where she made many new friends. The quality of her play entitled her to the mantle of Life Master. Tillie was active in many groups and charities including the Children’s Hospital Guild, the Milk Fund and Women’s University Club. After a heart attack in October 2000, Tillie resolved to make a new life on Bainbridge Island with her son, Warren, daughter-in-law Sharon and her five grandsons, Michael, Nick, Jordan, Ben and Kramer. During this chapter, she also enjoyed frequent visits from Susan and her granddaughter, Darcy.

Tillie is also survived by sister, Helen Lindquist of Florida, sister-in-law Luella Deahl of North Dakota, stepsons David (Bonnie), John (Pat) and Jim (Ann) Aitken, many grandchildren, one great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Her beloved Melvin passed away in June 2002. She is with him now. No memorial service is planned. Tillie is grateful to Warren’s wife Sharon, Dr. Greg Keyes, Hospice of Kitsap County, and Helen Kilbane for their loving care during her final days. Remembrances may be made to Children’s Hospital, PO Box 50020, Seattle, WA 98145.

Arrangements entrusted to Kass & Cook Family Funeral Home on Bainbridge Island.

Mathilda married AITKEN, Melvin Romaine on 12 Jan 1973 in King, Washington, USA. Melvin was born on 23 Aug 1915 in Scotia, Humboldt, California, USA; died on 10 Jun 2002 in Seattle, King, Washington, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mathilda married HUBBARD, Charles M about 1935. Charles (son of HUBBARD, Stanley M and MOORE, Margaret E) was born on 28 Apr 1915 in Bottineau, Bottineau, North Dakota, USA; died on 11 Sep 1943 in Bottineau, Bottineau, North Dakota, USA; was buried in Souris, Bottineau, North Dakota, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mathilda married HUDGENS, Leland Stanford on 10 Aug 1946 in King, Washington, USA, and was divorced in 1965 in Grandview, Yakima, Washington, USA. Leland (son of HUDGENS, Major Frank and PENNINGTON, Okie L) was born on 8 Aug 1910 in Terra Haute, Vigo, Indiana, USA; died on 24 Mar 1993 in Pendleton, Umatilla, Oregon, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. HUDGENS, Warren Major was born on 1 Oct 1950 in Grandview, Yakima, Washington, USA; died on 13 Jun 2011 in Bainbridge Island, Kitsap, Washington, USA; was buried on 18 Jun 2011.
2. Living

Henry married ZURCHER, Martha about 1912. Martha was born on 12 Jul 1892 in Switzerland; died on 19 Mar 1979 in Bottineau County, North Dakota, United States of America; was buried in Minot, Ward County, North Dakota, United States of America. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]