Cornelia Keller Hudson

07/28/1928 - 10/15/2025

Cornelia Ann Keller Hudson of Alexandria, VA, loving wife, mother and devoted friend, died October 15, 2025, after a short illness. She was 97 years old.
She was born July 28, 1928 in Washington, DC, and grew up in Hyattsville, MD, in a house shared with her parents, Anna and Cornelius J. Keller, her brother Michael J. Keller, grandfather Joseph R. Costinett, a few dogs and a goat terrified of fireworks. She graduated from Hyattsville High School (National Honor Society, 1945), and Trinity College, now Trinity Washington University (BA, 1949).
For several years Cornelia worked at the National Gallery of Art. She met Fred S. Hudson on a blind date, and they were married in Hyattsville in 1953, shortly before he was commissioned as an officer in the US Air Force. Pilot training, squadron assignments, teaching and command positions took them across the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. No matter the challenges, Cornelia and Fred made a comfortable and stylish home at each posting for their growing family of three boys.
Cornelia and Fred returned to Washington, DC after his retirement from the Air Force. Eager for another adventure, Fred volunteered for the International Executive Service Corps, and they moved to Russia, where Cornelia began an interest in Russian literature and history that lasted the rest of her life. They chose to retire to Alexandria, VA to be closer to family, friends, Army Navy Country Club, and a good game of bridge.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Col. Fred S. Hudson (USAF, Ret.), and her brother, Michael J. Keller. Cornelia is survived by her three sons and their wives, Fred and Nguyen of Alexandria, VA, Scott and Julia of The Woodlands, TX, Neal and Kim of Alexandria, VA; her grandchildren Katie, Jason, Brian, Margaret, Jacquelyn, Michelle, and Tristan; fourteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Burial will occur early next year at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, followed by a reception for friends and family to celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages an act of kindness to someone in need, with a donation to the charitable organization of your choice.

"She mixes reason with pleasure, and wisdom with mirth"
Hyattsville High School 'Memoir' Yearbook (1945)