Gertrude "Trudy" Ann Bishop

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gertrude Ann (“Trudy”) Bishop on May 31, 2024.

Trudy was born in Spokane Washington on March 22, 1932, the oldest of two daughters, to Aloysius Bishop and Clara Way. She grew up in the town of Deer Park, Washington where her father ran a creamery. After graduation from high school, she studied piano performance and music at Holy Names College (Spokane Washington) after which she moved to Canada in 1952 to marry Doug Hovan and begin a family.

She lived most of her adult life in White Rock, B.C. as a mom raising six children while maintaining an active involvement with her community through organizations such as the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) and White Rock Little League. She would always be willing to contribute her considerable musical talents to numerous community theatre productions.

Trudy is predeceased by her sister Lorraine (Russell) and her youngest son John. She is survived by her children Theresa (Brian), Allan (John), Stephen, Mickey and Betty (Richard); her nine grandchildren Arun (Anna), Toby (Kristen), Josh (Vanessa), Jesse (Meghan), Carly (Will), Allison (Ryan), Marc (Amanda), Celina (Mike) and Simon; and by her ten great-grandchildren (Chayce, Abby, Jude, Elizabeth, Max, Theo, Gabrielle, Sophia, Noah and Cedric).

Trudy lived her life with simplicity and grace. Her gentle spirit earned her the admiration and friendship of so many people. Nothing, however, was as important to Trudy as her family. She loved her family deeply. Whether friend or family, however, she was always there to support and encourage - but never judge. A birthday, anniversary or Christmas never went by without a phone call, a card or a thoughtful gift that she had picked up 2 months earlier at a farmer’s market or craft fair. It’s just who she was. She will be missed by so many.

Although she suffered considerably after a car accident in February 2024 that ultimately took her life, she never complained. Instead, she remained grateful for all the care that was provided to her during her hospitalization and transition to hospice care.

Our family would particularly like to thank the entire staff at Melville Place Hospice (Ellen Sinclair Kennett Lodge) for the amazing support and comfort they provided to our mom and our family in her final days. We will remain forever grateful.

A funeral mass in Trudy’s honour will be held on Friday, June 21st @ 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Parish (2250 150th Street, Surrey BC) with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Covenant House.