Theresa Jane Gustafson-Hudak

Theresa Jane Gustafson Hudak, 65, of Fairfield, IA passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at the Prestige Care Center in Fairfield, IA. As were her wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service in her honor will be held at the Calvary Baptist Church in Batavia Iowa on Friday May 10, 2024 at 5:30 PM. The family will be present for a time of visitation starting at 5:00PM at the church until the service starts. Contributions in Theresa's honor may be directed to JaneAnn and mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com

Theresa Jane Hudak was born on September 11, 1958, in McKeesport, PA. Theresa was known for her servant's heart and touched the lives of many through her generosity and commitment to her family and friends. Theresa's early years were spent in her hometown of Elizabeth, PA where she was raised by her loving parents, William and Esther "Jane" Stone Hudak. She attended Elizabeth Forward High School, after which she pursued courses in medical records, setting the foundation for her career in healthcare. Theresa's path led to a position at the Mon Valley Hospital as a medical transcriptionist, where she dedicated 26 years of service. It was also during this time that she and John Grimes celebrated the birth of their daughter, JaneAnn Grimes.

Life took Theresa and her daughter to Batavia, IA, in 2004, where she embraced the roles of home health caregiver and foster parent. Theresa married again and welcomed Casey and Chance in as her own. Even though they later divorced she remained close to the children. Theresa later worked in the cafeteria at the Fairfield High School where she shared her love of cooking with the students she worked with.

Throughout her life, Theresa's hands were rarely still, she enjoyed baking, crafting and tending to her flowers and her garden. She was a loving companion to her daughter JaneAnn, aiding in projects and instilling the belief in doing things right the first time. Those sentiments were echoed in her dedication to her church family at Calvary Baptist Church in Batavia, for whom her commitment was both a joy and a blessing.

Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, brothers William and Robert Hudak, a son John Grimes Jr. and a great nephew, Danny Ling. Theresa's legacy will be cherished and carried forward by her children, JaneAnn and Walter (Gidget) Grimes; her grandchildren, Jade, Emma, Zoii Grimes, and Larry "Bucky" Baker; two nieces, Carrie Hudak and Dana Madeya-Levenson, and her sisters, Joyce and Gladys Hudak.