Trudean (Trudi) Marguerite Prelypchan (née CONRAD)

Dear Norm. Jan here from Dr Todd days. I was recently at a concert and heard of Trudi’s passing . I am so sorry. She was such a joy . I always loved seeing both of you. I feel very thankful to have had time with your lovely wife she always brought a smile to my face. I am smiling just thinking of her. I hope you and your fur baby are doing ok. My heart is with you. Jan

Dear Norman,
I am truly saddened to hear about Trudi’s passing. While I obviously appreciated her talent as a musician, I shall really miss her ready smile whenever I would see both of you at various concerts and events.
warmest regards
Marcus

Dear Norman,
We were so sorry to hear of Trudi’s passing.
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May treasured memories help you through the difficult days ahead.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to attend the funeral. Our prayers are with you all.
God bless,
Melissa & Stephen Sparks and Aunty Olga Semotiuk

Dear Norman,
We were very sorry to recently learn about Trudi.
Thinking of you and wishing you healing in the days ahead.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Warmly,
Emma, Koji, Max and Mia

Dear Norman,
Caring thoughts are with you and your family on the passing of your beloved Trudi.
Trudi was a gracious person who exuded joy and a love of life.
Your love story was equally beautiful to witness.
Wishing you peace and comfort in the cherished memories.
Pam & Sara

Norman,
We were so fortunate to have known Trudi.
Sincerely,
Malcolm, Linda, Katelyn & Eric Clark

Norman,
Nicky and I learned of Trudi’s passing a couple of days ago. We are very sorry for your loss and the loss of such a lovely, talented person.
As you know, Trudi had a great impact on our son Mark and is largely responsible for his continuing love of the violin. She was a wonderful teacher and wonderful person.
Please accept our condolences.
Brian and Nicky

Dear Norman,
Hearing about Trudi’s passing really hit me.
Yes I think she wanted me to know.
She was always supportive and cheerful, especially at the end of a first rehearsal when clouds would come over my face as I thought we were getting nowhere. She would come up and always made me feel better and gave a feeling that it would be fine in the end.
Where ever she sat and or with whom, the other person always played better.
I did not know about any of her conditions till I made an insensitive comment about her wearing gloves on a particularly warm day. She told me a little and was very cheerful about it all.

Suddenly, many memories with the Symphony came back.

My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to you.
May she rest in peace.
With my kindest regards,
Kees

In 2020, I had the honour of assisting Trudi in the process of donating her incredibly meaningful and beautiful gift of her French violin and bows to the University of Victoria’s School of Music. Her thoughtful and generous gift is now being played by students who would otherwise not have access to a fine violin during their degree. “Where words fail, music speaks” ~ Hans Christian Anderson.
My most sincere condolences to you Norman. Kristy Colpron, University of Victoria.

Oh Norman. I am so sorry.

Trudi was such (and still is) a gentle, kind and beautiful soul. I am very grateful to have reconnected briefly with Trudi, despite the terrible circumstances. And you made her feel so loved and supported.
I will think of her often and will remember to try to be more like her.
My whole family sends their condolences.

Rebekah

Dear Norman:
My condolences at this time of sadness. Trudi was such a vital and positive person. I feel so blessed to have known her. What an encouraging person she was to young musicians! I remember how she rejoiced with our daughter Bridget when it was announced that Bridget would be attending the Congress of Strings in Detroit. Trudi had attended some years before and she was full of reassurance and practical advice as well as enthusiasm for the venture. Our daughter Caitlin benefitted from having Trudi as her teacher for a number of years…a solid foundation laid down with grace and positive encouragement.
You took such good care of Trudi Norman and were a tireless advocate for her in the health care system. Thank you.
Now she is flying free and I’m sure is making music with the angels. Bless her heart.

Dear Norman,
Trudi was a very talented lady and will be remembered for her smile and warm personality.
I loved the story of your courtship and love for each other. I know you must miss her every day.
I wish you comfort for the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Diane Read

Hello Norman, from Scotland.
You are right that Rosemary would have wanted us to know about Trudi. So sorry for your loss of such a lovely lady. We have fond memories of our day in Vancouver. I expect you still have the sketch of Gus.
In friendship
Valerie and Ian

I have been trying to find the words, but nothing can really express my sadness. It’s been such a comfort to know that you were by dear Trudi’s side throughout her cruel ordeal. I am so relieved that she is no longer in pain and is now at peace, but you are constantly in my thoughts. I hope your family and friends are looking after you.
Trudi, Miranda and I shared such unforgettable times in Salzburg. I mean, how fortunate was I!!! I rock up from Australia with my violin and suitcase, not knowing a soul, and instantly fall in with these two beautiful people, who soon became my dearest friends in the whole world. We were so lucky to have experienced all we did, toured so much together, and had such crazy adventures with the James Last Band.
I am also so fortunate to know what it is to share such a great love as you and Trudi have for each other. That is something that will never die. All I can do is hope that you feel my love and positive thoughts as you grieve. Thank you for taking such good care of her.

With all my love,
Gill

I miss you already Trudi. I’m gonna miss our brief visits and you always brought a smile to my face. Coming to clean your room at the hospital was a high point in my day. I will treasure the card you gave me forever. I’m so so sad to see you go but I’m just glad you’re not in pain anymore. All my love to you and Norman and the puppy.

Dear Norm,

Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss.

Although I never knew Trudi, from what I have read in these condolences, she seems like she was delightful!

Sincerely,

Sandra Nadeau, Pension Benefits
Musicians’ Pension Fund of Canada
605-200 Yorkland Boulevard
Toronto, ON M2J 5C1

“Love, great pal and colleague, Trudkin” was how she signed our Camosun yearbook in 1966. We were both in Division 2 at Vic High, having played and toured together in the orchestra and its various iterations since the fall of 1963. Trudi was an exceptional violinist, even then, who led us by breathing and bowing, marking and lifting and holding, delighting and dancing. Her humour was not the half of it, but it shone the way.

She was happy to tease and joke about anything, but never at the expense of the music. One year we were preparing Bizet’s L’Arlesienne No 2. It features a saxophone solo in the Intermezzo. Trudi noted aloud that we had no sax in our midst. Our conductor, Violet DeLong, pretended not to hear the joke, and took us into the work. At the moment the sax was to have entered with its gorgeous solo, Mrs DeLong began singing the part. We were shocked. None of us had a clue she could sing — and sound — like THAT. It was simply wonderful, and completely unexpected.

At the end of the movement, you already know who led us in most moving applause and respect. It was Trudi, of course, as she always did: finding the good, honouring the artist, elevating the occasion. I saw her rarely in the years that passed, but in 56 years since that day remember it, and her, with complete clarity. Trudi always left that sort of a mark. Always. We are so lucky to have had her in our lives.

Words cannot express our sadness at Trudi’s passing. Nor can words convey the strength of our
condolences. But please know, Norman, that you are
are always in our thoughts, love and prayers. Angels have sped your beloved Trudy to her eternal rest. Your care for her is an inspiration for all humanity. Love to you always, Barry & Marilyn

Philip A. Maxwell

Remembering Trudi’s life, her incandescent charm, her humility, we are stirred by a feeling of sad insufficiency. Words cannot come close to capturing Trudi’s ineffable glory as a human being nor what she meant to us.

Trudi was a musician of great sensitivity, superb taste, and aesthetic perfection. She studied with eminent teachers in North America and Europe. She often spoke with gratitude and affection of her four years of study with the renowned Sandor Vegh, first in the England, then in Salzburg. Other teachers included René Benedetti in Paris, Ivan Galamian (New York) and Oistrakh protégé, Isabella Petrosjan (Hamburg), among others. While eagerly taking in the culture and knowledge of these acclaimed pedagogues, Trudi earned her way by teaching.

The first experience which my wife and I had of Trudi’s playing was during an orchestral concert in which Trudi was the concertmaster. Although this concert provided our first contact with Trudi, my wife, a musician herself, drew my attention to Trudi. “The concertmaster is an excellent artist and a wonderful person. When she plays you feel a part of her spirit, her soul.”

After our friend Norman Prelypchan introduced us to Trudi, our respect and love for her deepened. We came to appreciate that Trudi was a different sort of musician. She seemed to be the very embodiment of music. She reached out to listeners with mellifluous generosity, warming their souls with what we perceived as an ethereal goodness. Her playing caressed us in a unique musical aura.

To memorialize Trudi in words is akin to holding onto her, trying not to let go.
Don’t go Trudi! Don’t leave us! A futile endeavour.
We have known for years that the coda would come.
How sad her years of suffering. How sad that she had to leave us.
And how grateful we are to have been a part of Trudi’s dulcet embrace.

Few people could have had the sort of complete joy in their lives which Trudi came to experience. Her great love, Norman Prelypchan became the basso ostinato of her life. We were often impressed by his discipline, his energy, his intellectual acuity, his warn-hearted nobility. All of these qualities bolstered and sustained Trudi through thick and thin.

We remember the beautiful wedding of Trudi and Norm in Christ Church Cathedral. It was the union of two great souls. These two people grew with each other — into an enchanted unity. Being with the Prelypchans was a sun-filled event. Norm’s dedication to Trudi was total. We were in awe at how he applied his genius for organization to Trudi’s life and needs. We observed that he knew from one minute to the next precisely what Trudi needed at each and every moment.

We came to view Trudi and Norm as a fully unified entity. These two souls were an uplifting inspiration for all who knew them. Deep down we sense that Trudi and Norm were, still are and always will comprise an undying unity.

We thank and bless the intense unison of Trudi and Norm for what they gave each other and us.

Norm,
We really appreciated your call and our heartfelt and warmest thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. Trudi and you were such a perfect blend of love and mutual support for each other and for Bill and Kathryn. You always took time and made their days more fulfilling. Details of your trips together, food you delivered, all made them look forward to your visits.
We will always hold Trudi’s warm smile and happy nature in our memories.
Please stay strong, keep in touch.
Until we meet again.
Our deepest sympathy,
Richard and Sharon Botting

Norman,
Thank you kindly for letting me know.
In addition to being a beautiful person, Trudi was a wonderful and talented violinist, teacher, and mentor. I wish we’d had a chance to reconnect in recent years but we exchanged several emails after I had my son and I know she’d be happy to know I still play violin and my children have been learning for years too. I learned a lot from her and try to share what Trudi taught me with my kids.
She will be missed.
It’s never easy to lose a loved one and I wish you peace and courage during this sad and difficult time.
Thank you again for letting me know.
Sincerely,
Marie

We we are deeply saddened to learn of Trudi’s death. She was an amazingly warm and upbeat person, regardless of circumstances. We remember when she recorded Krista’s laugh for a little pick me up when she needed it. We will all miss her terribly and offer our sincerest condolences to Norman Patricia and Alistair, she will be dearly missed.

Dear Norman,
I am so saddened to hear that you lost your beloved Trudi, but also happy that you had so many wonderful years together. I remember hearing about your love story! You were so lucky to have found each other when you did. You made that happen!

Having met in the Victoria Schools Orchestra as high school students, we quickly discovered how silly we could be together.
Trudi and I were ‘best buds’ in the Victoria Symphony for the 10 years I played in it. We were roommates on tour, and prided ourselves on breaking the invisible barrier between the strings and the winds. We would get them laughing together so much at the pub, that silliness ensued!
Trudi and I also shared big gums, and exaggerated them by grinning and laughing at each other during rehearsals. We had a great time poking fun at ourselves together.
Trudi was a joy to be around, always Nobody could have been more positive and upbeat. I know you will have many happy memories forever. All my memories are good ones too.
Thank you so much for letting me know.
Hilary (Coupland) Sandford ~ (also married to a Norman).

Dear Norman, dear family and friends of Trudi,
Trudi’s smile and her generously shared love for life, for others, for music will stay with us. Full of light. We can only imagine your sorrow and, with our poor words, we hold your hand. We share the pain of her husband, of her family, and of the many many friends who had the joy to know her and love her. We send you our condolences and we hope that the memory of her smile will bring you some serenity and appeasement in this time of grief.
I count as a blessing to have met Trudi at concerts, in gardens, on dog walks and then for brunches. Her love for France was always in our conversations, too, and she reminded me each time that the world is a beautiful place, life holds many promises and… we should enjoy them fully!
We will miss her and we’ll keep her smile, her talent and her kindness as gifts.
Hélène and Jan Just

Dear Norman,

It’s with deep sorrow that I have learned of Trudi’s passing.

Trudi was a very talented violinist with a remarkable musical intelligence.

I had the privilege of teaching Trudi for a few years in Victoria and Quebec City. Let’s all remember that after only three years at the Conservatoire de musique de Québec, she unanimously and with great distinction won all the honors with her violin performances.

I believe she now rests in peace. Her legacy will remain with the students and the general public that she has touched and loved so much. She will leave an everlasting mark in Victoria’s musical scene.

I am very proud to have been one of her teachers. Please accept my deepest condolences to you, the family and friends.

Jean Angers

Emeritus Professor

Conservatory of Music

From Quebec City.

—————————————————————————————————–
Cher Norman

Je suis très attristé d’apprendre le décès de Trudi. Mes très scincères condoléances à vous et à toute sa famille et Amis.

J’ai eu le privilège d’enseigner Trudi durant quelques années à Victoria et à Québec.
Trudi avait un grand talent pour le violon et une intelligence musicale remarquable.

Après seulement trois ans au conservatoire de musique de québec, elle a obtenue un premier prix de violon à l’unanimité et avec Grande distinction.
Je suis très fier d’avoir été l’un de ses professeurs. Elle a laissée une marque très importante
dans la vie musicale de Victoria.

Je crois qu’elle repose maintenant en paix et satisfaite de ce qu’elle a donné à ses élèves et au grand publique de Victoria.

Jean Angers
Professeur Émérite
Conservatoire de Musique
De Québec.

Dear Norman – for a full twenty years I sat in the “far corner” of the orchestra from Trudi, but her infectious enthusiasm for music and her incandescent spirit could be felt even in that far corner. Her love and support for both Annie and me is something that I will cherish forever. It’s not an easy job to me a musician; people like Trudi bring joy to it. There are legions of musicians, students, and audience members whose lives have been enriched by Trudi’s presence. That spirit will undoubtedly be eternal – may she rest in peace, and rise in glory. All our love to you and Eddie, and all those close to you. — Bob & Ann Fraser

Dear Norman and Family,
I just wanted to share how very sorry and heart-breaking it was, to hear the news about Trudi.

What a genuine “treasure” Trudi – fond memories of sharing music with her at the Conservatory- so intelligent and inspiring!

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hoping to see you in September.

Love, your friend in music, always..
Kristine

Kirsty, Alasdair and I were so sorry to hear of Trudi’s death, Years before the whole family was saddened that such a talented musician should be visited with a diagnosis of MS, a diagnosis she dealt with so courageously.Alasdair felt so privileged to be with her one last time.Thank you for that Norman and for the wonderful care you gave Trudi. Cherish the many memories you have of your time together.
Please take care of yourself.
Kirsty, Alasdair and Helen Money

Dear Norman,

It was with great sadness that I read of the death of your beloved Trudi. We had known Trudi as our son Andrew’s violin teacher years before I met the two of you at the Cathedral. What a lovely couple you were. I think the last time we saw you was on a BC ferry en route to Vancouver.

I have tried to convey the sad news to Ludmilla but her decline with Alzheimer’s is such that she cannot remember lifelong friends (nor even her brother). Were she still in the real world, I know she would join me in sending you our heartfelt condolences on your great loss.

I realise the last few years have been a struggle for both of you, but Trudi’s courage in dealing with her illness and your devotion, care and love for her stand out as an inspiration to us all. May she rest in peace.

John and Ludmilla

I’m very sorry for your loss. Take good care. I hope that you can find some peace in your memories! My condolences from the east coast.
Love,
Rebecca

David and I were very sorry to receive your news of Trudi’s passing, although for Trudi, in some ways we suspect it was a release.
You found each other later in life, shared wonderful trips, experiences and laughter. May the memory of those give you some comfort at this time.
Margot and David

Cher Norman,
C’est avec une grande tristesse que j’ai appris le décès de mon amie Trudi. C’est d’une grande douleur de perdre un amour, une amitié de si longue date…
Je me doutais que sa santé s’était détériorée depuis longtemps car elle ne me donnait plus de vos nouvelles…Voilà, elle est partie après des années de souffrance et de lutte pour garder la tête hors de l’eau, mais, hélas que faire contre ces maladies terribles…? Elle est allée au bout de ce qu’elle pouvait et J’admire complètement son courage et sa volonté d’avoir combattu cela.

Cher Norman, je vous souhaite tout le courage du monde pour surmonter votre douleur.
Pensez que peut-être là où est Trudi, elle a trouvé la paix et le bonheur d’être enfin délivrée de toutes ses douleurs……
Je vous présente mes très sincères condoléances.
Restons en contact .
Je vous embrasse et suis avec vous en pensées.
Joëlle                      

(Translation to English)

Dear Norman,
It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of my friend Trudi. It hurts to lose such a long-standing love and friendship. I suspected that her health had deteriorated because it had been a
while since she had given me your news…
She left after years of suffering and struggle to keep her head above water. But alas, what could be done against those terrible diseases..?
She went as far as she could, and I completely admire her courage and her will to have fought this.

Dear Norman, I wish you all the courage in the world to overcome your pain.
Perhaps where Trudi is, she has found peace and happiness in finally being delivered from her pain. I present to you my most sincere condolences.
Keep in touch.
Hugs to you, and I am with you in thought.
Joelle

Sue, Sam & I were greatly saddened by Trudi’s passing this week.

We think back to our first meeting in December 2005 when we went for dinner with you and Trudi on your very first ‘date’. You were both so excited to meet each other; it was obvious that this was a match that was meant to be.

We had lots of laughs that evening. It was the first of many other wonderful meals together. Trudi entertained us with anecdotes about ‘life in the classical music business’; always great fun.

Since that first date, you were never far from each other’s side. True romance!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Norman.

We all miss this wonderful and talented lady.

Sue, Nigel & Sam

Hello Norman,
We write to offer our heartfelt sympathy and condolences in the loss of your dearest Trudi. We were so saddened to learn of her death from Patricia yet equally relieved for her and you that her suffering is at an end.
You have shouldered an immense “love burden” caring and advocating for Trudi all these years, most notably after her hospitalization. Your labour of love no doubt contributed to Trudi having the best quality of life she could have under difficult circumstances.
As you move through your loss we hope and pray that memories of Trudi will in time, fill you with great comfort, peace and healing.
Cathy and Larry

​Hope gentle healing and peace will find you.
So sorry you had to say good-by to Trudi.
With heart felt sympathy–
Stan and Pat

Trudi was my violin teacher from about age 8 to 14. She was a huge part of my life growing up and was the “sparkle” I had the privilege of learning under every Wednesday at the Victoria Conservatory of Music in the intermediate youth orchestra I participated in. She was such a joy to see every week. Her charisma and charm was unmatched and she had a magnetic energy that you just wanted to be around. An energy so strong that even as a young child you were drawn to her and it resonated within you. Trudi thank you for your gift that you shared with us as a violin teacher. Thank you even more for being the person that you were. May your light shine wherever it is now. We will miss you.

Oh Norm, what a battle it was.
My deepest condolences. Trudi deserves her peace and freedom. That such a talented individual could be neurologically afflicted so ruthlessly is truly unfair. Your infinite love, devotion and patience assisting her and ensuring the best medical treatments were remarkable. She was so lucky to have you in her life.
I hope that gives you comfort in this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Your friend and neighbour,
Richard

Dear Norman,
Lynda and I were both very saddened to hear of Trudi’s death.
Please accept our sincerest condolences. We were both at Extons in Raglan recently and Lynda and I both recalled our conversation at St David’s Hall when you asked me where I bought my striped jacket.
These coming days will be especially hard to bear and no words of mine will ease your pain and sense of loss but I will keep Trudi and you in my prayers.
Yours,
Don and Lynda

Rt.Hon. the Lord Touhig

Norman,
A beautiful soul has gone to another realm, leaving us the better for having shared her love and known her strength. Our loss may be profound, but Trudi’s freedom is the greater gain.
As always, I offer help and support at this difficult time.
…Carolyn

Dear Norman,
I wish there were words that could express what is in my heart. Know that our thoughts and prayers are very much with you.
Trudi, my beloved Cuz T, was the most wonderful, amazing soul who blessed the lives of all those she touched. We share in your grief, but give thanks for her joyful release and new freedom now to continue her spiritual journey. Thank you for loving her and taking such good care of her. Her spirit will burn brightly.
❤️ forever,
Mary and family

Dear Norman,
There really are no words. All I can think of now is what a beautiful life you gave Trudi and I know her beauty of spirit was a gift to you as it was to all who knew her.
Whenever you like, I can share the story of the first time I heard from her about you. Until then, you will be in my thoughts.
Sending love and comfort,
Nancy DiNivo

Norm
We are so sorry. She was a wonderful person. So comforting to know she is not suffering anymore.
Kevin and I send our love.
Kevin and Lois

Dear friend,
I am very sorry and very sad! for you Norm… You just lost someone very special.
But that special person is, as you said very well, “reclaiming her freedom”: As an angel, Trudi is now in paradise… “at peace”. Norm, Trudi is and will be with you until you guys meet again.
As for now, you have to show her your unconditional love by taking care of yourself and your “little companion”… And if you feel lonely, just look at Trudi’s loving smile on that picture…
You will feel good and thankful for the beautiful years you shared.
I will be at the service: I know she would have found “happiness, peace and joy”.
In a few weeks, I will try to set up some “gathering”.
See you soon my friend.
Jean-Claude and Deirdre

Dear Norm,
So sad to hear of Trudi’s passing but as you especially know, she is in a better place now. You, her family and friends are all saddened by her passing from this earth and will carry many cherished memories. No more suffering for our very loving and cheerful friend until we meet again.
May you feel God’s presence with you these days during your bereavement.
David and Mary Anne

It was with heavy hearts that we read of Trudi’s passing. We will always think of Trudi as a beautiful, caring and talented lady, whom we shall miss and we feel deeply for your loss. We take comfort with the thoughts that you have had treasured times together. Please accept our condolences and sincere sympathy.
Thinking of you,
Margaret and Keith.

We will always cherish the fond memories we have of our dear friend Trudi. Our sincere condolences.
Cory and Jen

Dear Norman,
I am so sorry to hear that Trudi is gone. Thinking of you both with much love and sympathy.
Stacey

Oh, Norman,
We are so sorry to hear the news. What a beautiful lady and what wonderful years she had with you.
Love,
Teresa and Keith

Norman
This morning, there is a large empty Trudi-sized hole in the lives of not only us, but everyone who knew her. In these last days and months, you and Trudi have each, in your own distinct way, displayed a level of heroism that has been amazing and inspiring to observe, and in fact, I saw with each visit the degree to which the two of you inspired each other, in the best spirit of a true marriage. The time for talk and reminiscence is later. For now, just know that my-our-thoughts are with both of you
Love
Dave

Dear Norman,
I am so saddened to hear that Trudi has passed away. My thoughts and heart are with you as you grieve. You have been an angel for Trudi for so many years, making her life magical and beautiful and filled with love, bringing her joy and hope and support. Trudi was such a light of positive spirit. I will always remember her as the light that shone for all of us. I will always remember her music and the many musical moments we shared together, and I am grateful for each of them, and for each moment I spent with the two of you.
Love,
Tania

Norm,
Sorry for your loss does not cover it, so instead I will say “thanks.” Thanks for caring for Trudi through a long illness, thanks for sticking by her with complete devotion, and thanks for getting me in there to see her that Sunday. The connection we enjoyed on that visit exceeded my expectations and gave me the joy of seeing Trudi’s heart and soul.
She will be missed.
All the best in this difficult time,
Kay

Norman, we are so very sorry to hear this sad news. She fought valiantly for so long. I’ll always remember her warmth of spirit, her great sense of humour, her wonderful storytelling. We were all so thankful that you were there for her, in particular over the last few difficult years, but also for the many good years before that when you and Trudi took all of those amazing trips/adventures together.
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
With much love,
Todd and Cathy

Dear Norman,
We are so sorry to hear the news about Trudi and want you to know you are both in our thoughts and prayers.
She will be missed by us all and we feel blessed to have known her for so many years.
Please let us know if there is any way we can help.
Sending our love to you and Eddie and all the family.
Bill and Frances

Dear Norm.
We were prepared but we were not prepared to lose this wonderful person.
Even though we knew she was failing she had such a tenacious spirit it was incredible how long she survived her multiple illnesses.
For you it must bring great sadness but at the same time relief.
Relief from watching Trudi suffer, and relief from the unstinting, unwavering support that you gave her which was superhuman in its magnitude.
We are so lucky to have known Trudi, shared her music and her marvellous sense of fun and her love.
There is a great void in Victoria today and it will only be partly filled by Eddie.
Our very best to you Norm. After dealing with the details take a break from here with Eddie and have some rest yourself.
Our love to you.
Jan and Mike.

Norman,
Thank you for letting us know of Trudi’s passing.
She was a lovely person. So talented, thoughtful and kind. We wish that we had known her better and for longer.
Your devotion and loving care was of great comfort, I am sure. She knew she was loved by many and, most especially, by you.
You are in our thoughts. Please let us know if you need any assistance at all; we’re here for you.
Kathie & Bob next door

Dear Norm…
My heart truly goes out to you and the family. Trudi was a very special soul…full of light and kindness. I will miss her friendship and feel blessed to have been invited to spend time with her during her long and valiant battle in hospital.The following works mean a lot to me…

Although her smile has gone forever
And her hand you cannot touch
Still you have so many memories
Of the one you loved so much
Her memory is your keepsake
With which you will never part
God has Trudi in his keeping….
You have her in your heart.

May your spirit soar and be free from all encumbrances, Trudi.
In friendship,
Margaret

Oh Norman,
I’m so sorry to hear this. My prayers are with you during this time of deep grief and relief.
Donald

Dear Norman;
We are terrible sad; but we are sure she’s in peace now.
We will miss her always. And it’s difficult to believe her absence.
I am sad,sad,sad….
And always we will your family in Turkey.
Dear Trudi, my dearest friend,
Rest In Peace.
gönderildi

Dear Norman:
Please accept our deepest Condolences on the passing of your beloved Trudi.
You were the best thing that ever happened to her.
Take care and stay safe,
Nick

Dearest Norman,
Please accept our condolences for Trudi’s passing. We will remember her fondly.
Much love,
Mieka, Dave and Marcel

Dear Norman,
What a very, very sad day. Trudi was such a wonderful person who will always have a special place in the hearts of our family.
Our love and our thoughts are with you.
Jane and Peter

We are so saddened to hear your news.
She touched so many lives through music and will be missed.
Trudi was so fortunate to have you as her husband and support through the difficult years and travels.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barb and Dave

Words cannot express how very sorry we are for your enormous loss. Trudi has been a truly special friend of ours for almost 50 years and when she hooked up with you we had another special friend. I’m so glad that the two of you were able to make the absolute most of the time you had together with the wonderful traveling you did and the sweet companionship you shared to her final day. She could not have dreamed of a better mate than you. Knowing how she has suffered, it is a relief to know that she is finally at peace but we are heartbroken to have lost a soul we all held so dear. Our wonderful memories of her and her beautiful spirit will live on. We’re so thankful that we were able to spend some quality time with both of you in the last few years. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Love, Dave

Trudi was a wonderful person and I will treasure our friendship forever. Thankfully she had you, Norman. You are the best.
My deepest condolences,
Debra

Stu and I were so sad to receive the news about Trudi. She was a wonderful, kind and gentle soul… she was also a very talented violinist. We enjoyed her in the Victoria symphony when she played with them. She was such a strong, brave woman and I admired her strength. I know you will miss her greatly. We would be honoured to join you in celebrating her life.
You are in our thoughts Norman.
With our deepest sympathies,
Stu and Dawn

Dear Norman,
What a great loss this is – our dear, dear friend.
We both lit candles and continued to send love throughout the night and send that to you now. We take comfort knowing that she is now at peace. She is so loved and we continue to be blessed by her spirit. We hope it helps your grief a bit to know that there are so many others who share your sorrow at this time. Please do let us know if there is anything we can to to help you.
May you find comfort and peace.
Your friends,
Chris & Max

Dear Norman and Eddie,
I was so sad to read your message this morning but at the same time, you know dearest Trudi is now free from pains and restrains. I am sure she has left you with a lifetime of smiles but doubtless the ache of loss will be huge for you.
I imagine her playing the violin and walking with Gus in the heavens above, whilst always looking down and over on you and Eddie.
We will be in touch about September when you are ready. For now, grieve and know I am sending a huge beam of energy your way.
Sincerely,
Susan

Our deepest sympathy on the passing of an amazing lady. We were so privileged to have known her even a little bit. She was so gracious, funny, effervescent and talented. Our thoughts and prayers are with all, especially you, Norm, as you grieve the loss of this shining light. Love Ed and Kandy Stephenson

Tribute to my beautiful aunt (originally posted on my Facebook profile)

My aunt, Trudi, died this morning.
Her obituary will be published on the weekend and knowing my uncle it will be an amazing read. Trudi was a world class musician, studying and performing around Europe and she played violin with the Victoria Symphony among others.

You know those little prodigy violinists who play on the barge with the symphony every summer? She was one of their teachers. And she was warm and loving and fun and irreverent and someone you just felt good around. You could feel her heart ❤️.

My uncle was courting her when she received her diagnosis of MS and then Parkinson’s. They got married anyway, she retired from playing and teaching and enjoyed life while they could. They celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary last month and then she had one last birthday party.

She spent the last year at least confined to a hospital bed, my uncle advocating for her right to medical care and to life.

She wanted to live. She didn’t want the morphine path. She was as present as I think you could be until the very last few days. But she had an extra year of life because of my uncle’s ability to fight for her.

For her birthday a few days ago, he invited an old symphony colleague to play cello for her. The video he sent me was amazing. She was locked in her body, unable to move or speak or swallow and her arm is swaying trying to conduct while he’s playing Saint Saen’s Swan on his cello.

If Victoria didn’t have a strings program in the public schools, the world would never have had Trudi’s brilliance as a musician. She learned to play violin here in elementary school!

I loved her and I will miss her.

I am so sorry to hear of Trudi’s death. I send my condolences to her many friends and family. May her music live on in your memories.