Hudson – Gwendolyn B. (Thompson) Rich, 90, of Hudson, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on April 6, 2021 after a period of declining health. She is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband of 64 years, Vaughn E. Rich, who predeceased her in 2014.
Gwen was born on Sept. 21, 1930 in Newton, one of five daughters of the late Leslie and Ruby (Brown) Thompson. She was raised in Waltham, where she graduated from high school and went on to marry her high school sweetheart. Together they settled in Hudson where they raised their five children and were active members of the community.
Gwen was a longtime member of the First Federated Church of Hudson, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was also a den mother for the local Cub Scouts.
She was a devoted homemaker and loved spending time with her family, especially her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was very proud of her home and her family. She also enjoyed spending her summers in Gilford, N.H. at Lake Shore Park on Lake Winnipesaukee. Gwen found joy in sending special cards to any one she loved, as well as cooking and shopping.
Gwen is survived by her son, David Rich and his partner Diane Graham of Hudson; four daughters, Judy Mitchell and her husband Bob of Hudson, Cindy DeArcangelis and her husband Paul of Hudson, Cheryl Matthew and her husband Paul of Hudson, and Patty Donnellon and her husband Walter of Marlborough; 13 grandchildren, Wendy Cunningham and her husband Todd of Groton, Joe Mitchell and his wife Emily Shay of Norwood, Jamie Mitchell and his wife Lisa of Hudson, Amy DeArcangelis of VA, Paul DeArcangelis and his wife Edna Barreto of Needham, Lori Fucci and her husband Chris of Millbury, Dana Rich and his wife Meghan of Sterling, Kelcy Porizky and her husband Josh of Franklin, Chelsea Graham of Hudson, Kristen Matthew and her fiancé Tyler Perry of Hudson, Rachel Matthew of Hudson, Briana Donnellon of Marlborough and Michael Donnellon of Marlborough; nine great-grandchildren, Gabriella, Soleil, Jordan, Kelson, Ryleigh, Marley, Casey, Kara and Fallon; a cousin, Barbara Brooks; her best friends, Doris Freitas and Pat Cooper; and several loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was also predeceased by four sisters.
All are invited to attend a visiting hour on Saturday, April 10, from 9-10 a.m., at Forestvale Cemetery on Broad Street in Hudson, followed by a graveside service at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in loving memory of Gwendolyn B. Rich to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.
Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
