Gertraud McWilliams

Born in Berlin, Germany in June 1939, she eventually made a harrowing escape from East Germany in 1959 and met her future husband during Octoberfest in Zweibrucken, Germany where he was based with the Canadian Air Force. She emigrated to Canada in 1960 where Jim and Trudy married in Peterborough in November and they settled in Ottawa. As a military family, they lived in several parts of the country including Moosonee, On., Sudbury, On., Mont Apica, Qc., and then back to Ottawa. They retired to Alberta to play an active part in the lives of their beloved grandchildren.

Trudy is survived by her daughter Sonja (Udo), Wendy (Lee), and son Michael (Ken) as well as grandchildren Romy, Megan(Mike) and Jessica. She is also remembered by many cherished friends including Jim and Mary Lou, Joyce, Jules and Rea.

Trudy was an adventurous and fun loving lady who loved to laugh and enjoy her friends. She treasured her family and she loved travelling, baking, bingo and she even took up darts later in life! Trudy was always positive and was quick to see the humour in life. Despite her health challenges, she remained active and engaging including embracing the use of Social Media. She stayed in contact with many people using her IPAD which she referred to as “her facebook”. Trudy was also passionate about animals and loved her grand pets Oliver and Finnegan and she always kept food for the birds and squirrels on her walks.

The family would like to thank the professionals in the ICU at Montfort Hospital who were so caring and supportive. Also the staff at Rideau Place- Trudy loved her time there and always commented how they treated her like a Queen!

There will be a celebration of Trudy’s life at Rideau Place at 550 Wilbrod St., Friday February 24 at 11am. A celebration will also take place in Calgary, AB. at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEvoy-Shields.com for the McWilliams family.