In Memory Of Roberta “Bobbi” Hudson, 89

GLEN ELLYN, IL — Roberta “Bobbi” Hudson, 89, passed away peacefully at home with family, in Peoria, Arizona, on Wednesday, November 29th.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bobbi attended Shorewood High School. Her dad thought it was important for his daughter to have a business degree, and enrolled her at Stevens College, a private women’s school in Missouri. She graduated in 1954.

Bobbi married her high school sweetheart, Jim Hudson, in 1955. They spent much of their lives in Glen Ellyn, and Wheaton, Illinois.

Those who knew Bobbi, knew her to be strong, gentle, and lovely, with a fun sense of humor. She was a force, working hard at everything she set out to accomplish. Her faith in Jesus Christ was her compass. She was dedicated to her family, to her friends, and to her community.

A retail merchant in Glen Ellyn, Illinois twice, Bobbi was the owner of the award-winning Daffy Down Dilly for more than a decade. She traveled from coast to coast to find unique and quality home accessories and gifts to offer her customers. Under her ownership, the store grew from an intimate 600sf boutique at the North end of town, to a grand 5,000sf store at 492 Main Street. When she sold Daffy Down Dilly, in 1994, she opened Knickers of Glen Ellyn, a lingerie and bra fitting boutique. Bobbi loved her customers, and she loved creating a caring and inspiring workplace for all the people she employed.

Bobbi had a passion for downtown Glen Ellyn. She served as President of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce, chaired countless committees, and volunteered endlessly; all for the betterment of the downtown. Her love, hard work, and special touches are still visible today.

Bobbi’s entrepreneurial spirit actually began much earlier. While raising 3 daughters, in the 60s and 70s, she developed a passion for painting with acrylics. Her artwork was sold at bizarres and boutiques across the Midwest. In the 80’s she created Wreaths and Trimmings, with friends, and they sold their beautiful creations across the Chicagoland area.

Bobbi enjoyed playing tennis, and was a member of Glen Oak Country Club. She volunteered at Central DuPage Hospital and Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital.

Above all, Bobbi’s favorite thing was spending time with her family, who loved her dearly. She loved to entertain, and enjoyed hosting friends and family. She found joy in finding ways to make everyone feel special and loved.

Bobbi retired, with Jim, in 1999 and started spending more and more time in Peoria, Arizona. She enjoyed going to art shows, entertaining, making new friends, playing cards and dominoes, and hosting family for visits.

Bobbi’s parents, Robert and Claire Baumgartner, and her sister Anne Balbo (John) preceded her to heaven.

She will be missed every day by her loving husband of 68 years, Jim, daughters Susie Wall (Dave), Nancy Hudson, Kathryn Shaw (Doug), her four grandchildren; Tim Wall (Alli), Stephanie Boddie (TJ), Mike Wall (Genevieve), and Alex Wall; and her five great grandchildren; Owen Wall, Emily & Peyton Boddie, and Hudson & Tessa Wall.

A service to celebrate Bobbi’s life will be held at Palmcroft Church in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday, December 9 at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, Arizona. A digital guest book is available at https://tinyurl.com/bobbihudson