Sister Saturnalia, aka John Hudson, one of the founding members of the Abbey of the Big Red Wood, the local house of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

John Hudson, second from left, with family at a reunion in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the summer of 2016.

John Edward Hudson served as a medic with the First Air Calvary Division in the Vietnam War when he was 21. He was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in combat and earned decorations for marksmanship and bravery.

John Hudson (middle) served as a medic with the First Air Calvary Division in the Vietnam War when he was 21. He was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in combat and earned decorations for marksmanship and bravery.

John Hudson (third from bottom left, facing the camera) served as a medic with the First Air Calvary Division in the Vietnam War when he was 21. He was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in combat and earned decorations for marksmanship and bravery.

Sister Saturnalia, aka John Hudson.

John Hudson was known for his broad smile and his ability to bring people together around a table filled with food.

Clemens Heckel and John Hudson embrace, having become fast friends during Clemens' visit to Humboldt County from Germany.

John Hudson