Trudy was born in Cleveland, the daughter of the late Andrew E. and Catherine M. (nee Chaky) Burtzlander. Trudy was the beloved wife of the late Eric Gustke for 26 years who predeceased her in 1991; Loving mother of Karen Ann Gustke (deceased, 2002), Amy Lynn (Dominic) Valentino and Matthew Eric (Toni) Gustke; cherished grandmother of Eric (Allison) Valentino, Alex Valentino, Jack Gustke, Olivia Gustke, Luci Valentino, Sophie Valentino and Lucas Gustke; dear sister of Peg (Skip) Kromer.
Trudy endeared herself to everyone she met with her joyful smile, warm hugs, and encouraging words. She spent most of her life caring for others both in her personal life, taking care of her children, mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law, as well as her professional life as a nurse working at Lutheran Hospital and in a doctor’s office. She loved butterflies, monkeys, coffee in her hazelnut creamer, decorating for holidays—especially Christmas, singing in choir, ringing bells, laughing with friends, and worshipping God at Messiah Lutheran Church where she was a member for over 40 years. Trudy loved her grandchildren who all remember sleepovers at Grandma Gertie’s with chocolate chip cookies and root beer floats. She delighted in the affectionate nicknames she collected including MIL, Chica, The Matriarch, Roomie, Pookie Poo, Graham Cracker, Troodles, Mrs. Fix It, and Brat. She enjoyed sending cards to her family and friends, all signed with Philippians 1:3-6. Most of all she will be remembered for her quiet strength, unshakable faith, abundant grace, and unconditional love.
The family will receive friends on Monday, May 13, 2024 from 4PM-8PM at Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home, 20820 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday at 9:30AM at Messiah Lutheran Church, 21485 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, Ohio 44126. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted. Donations in Trudy's name may be made to The Karen Gustke Youth Memorial Fund of Messiah Lutheran Church.
