Obituaries

Agueda Caceres Perez “Laura” Hudkins, 89, of West Milford, WV passed away on September 9, 2024 at her residence surrounded by her family.

Agueda was born in Valdeobispo (Extremadura), Spain on May 7, 1935, a daughter of the late Primitivo Caceres Gomez and Eustaquia Perez Sanchez

She was married for 63 years to Forris Lee Howard Hudkins, who preceded her in death on December 10, 2022.

Surviving are three sons, Forris L.H. Hudkins III (Arianne of Clarksburg, WV) , Wilson “Bob” Hudkins (Maria Jose Jouve Mesa ) of Madrid, Spain, and Julian H. Hudkins (Melissa) of the Republic of Panama; and one daughter, Agueda “Tonie” Teague of Clarksburg, WV. She was grandmother to 13 grandchildren, Cheyenne and Alfred, Michael, Robert, Brie, Kelly, Jason and wife Katie, Laura, Adriana, Noya, Kyle, Brittany, Corey and wife Amber, and Dallas; 10 great grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Charlotte Hudkins Poling.

In addition to her parents and husband, Aqueda is preceded in death by one son, Joseph Hudkins and has eight siblings, Pompeyo, Natividad, and Eustaqvio Caceres Perez, and Juliana, Maria Esther, Jose Luis, Angel Jose, and Delia Caceres Lozano.

Águeda Caceres Pérez, known to many as Laura, was born in the quaint village of Valdeobispo, in Extremadura, Spain. Her early life was shaped by immense loss, as the Spanish Civil War took both of her parents when she was still a young girl. Orphaned, Águeda had no choice but to leave Spain and make her own way in the world, a journey that began in hardship but soon blossomed into one of incredible resilience, adventure, and love.

Águeda’s spirit was as strong as it was graceful. Dance became her first love and a source of expression and strength. It carried her from the small streets of her childhood village to stages around the world. She became an entertainer, her dance and singing captivating audiences far beyond Spain. Despite the pain of her early life, Águeda danced and sang with passion, joy, and a determination that would define her life.

While performing in Casablanca, Morocco, Águeda met her future husband, a U.S. Navy officer. Theirs was a love story written across continents. Together they traveled the world, raising five children who became the center of Águeda’s life. She poured all of her love and energy into raising them, even when her husband’s naval duties kept him away for long stretches of time. Águeda took on the role of both mother and father, providing guidance and protection with fierce determination. She worked tirelessly to ensure her family was always cared for, whether it meant taking jobs to make ends meet or spending sleepless nights comforting her children.

Perhaps because she lost her parents at such an early age, Águeda deeply understood that the most important things in life were not material—like degrees or the number of zeros in the bank account. What truly mattered to her was having people around who cared for her and who she could care for in return. To Águeda, life’s meaning was rooted in how you treated others and the love you shared, especially in the fleeting moments when someone was passing. Her wealth was found in the relationships she built, the love she gave, and the kindness she extended to everyone she met.

Águeda wasn’t just the foundation of her family; she was the bedrock—the DNA of its heritage. She was the one who adjusted its course when needed, ensuring that through every twist and turn, the family remained strong, unified, and loved. Her ability to navigate life’s uncertainties with wisdom and grace is a legacy that has shaped her family for generations.

Águeda’s strength was not just for her family. Everywhere she went, she brought people together. Whether among high-ranking Navy officers, entertainers, politicians, or everyday people, Águeda treated everyone with the same respect and kindness. Her elegance and beauty made her the center of attention, but it was her heart and generous spirit that made her unforgettable. She had a gift for making others feel valued, and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life was unparalleled.

When the family moved to Gaeta, Italy, Águeda found a new calling. As the ombudsman for the U.S. Navy’s Sixth Fleet, she became a trusted advisor and a source of comfort for the wives of servicemen stationed at the naval base. She understood their struggles—having lived them herself—and she dedicated herself to helping them navigate the challenges of military life. Águeda’s compassion and wisdom touched the lives of many, and her legacy within the Navy community was one of unwavering support and friendship.

But Águeda’s greatest joy was always her family. Her grandchildren became the light of her later years, and she adored them with the same boundless love she had given her own children. She made them feel cherished, always giving them her full attention, always surrounding them with laughter, stories, and warmth. Her love for life, her strength, and her indomitable spirit have been passed down through her children and now live on in her grandchildren, a legacy that will continue for generations.

Even as her health declined, Águeda remained the vibrant, caring woman she had always been. She faced her final days with grace, knowing she had given her all to those she loved. Águeda Hudkins Caceres, known to many as Laura, was more than just a mother, a grandmother, or a Navy wife. She was a beacon of resilience, elegance, and kindness. Her beauty radiated inside and out, and her love of life touched everyone she met.

Águeda treated everyone equally, whether they were high-level Navy officers, politicians, or ordinary people. To her, every person was worthy of kindness, respect, and friendship. Her legacy is not only in the lives she touched, but in the love, energy, and spirit that will continue to live on through her children and grandchildren.

Family and friends may call at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison St, Nutter Fort, WV 26301 on Friday, September 13, 2024 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm where catholic burial rites will be held at 1:00 pm with Father Walt Jagela presiding. Interment will follow in the Johnstown Cemetery.

Expression of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com. A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.