Gertrude Sanders Guinee

Gertrude Sanders “Trudy” Guinee, 95, passed away on Wednesday, the 17th of April 2024, in Houston. She was born and raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Trudy attended Duke University where she majored in Art History and English Literature. She married W. Fenton Guinee, Jr. (another Duke alumnus) in the Duke Chapel the day after she graduated.

Trudy lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the COVID pandemic, and took every opportunity to continue learning about the world and her many interests. She was a wonderful cook, an observant birdwatcher, a meticulous painter and papermaker, a voracious reader, a poet, a naturalist and a gardener who didn’t mind getting dirt under her fingernails. Trudy enjoyed close-up nature photography, her friends, sketching and watercolor painting.

She loved raising her five children with Fenton and enjoyed the family activities and discussions that ensued. In her sixties, Trudy attended Vermont College where she earned an MFA in poetry. After graduation, she and Fenton bought an 1840 farmhouse in Vermont where they spent many summers.

Trudy is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Fenton; her parents, Frances Nelson Sanders and James Brockman Sanders; sister, Jean; and brother, Brock.

She is survived by her children: Bill (Sue Hruska), Cynthia, Linda (Ellen Gurzinsky), Tim (Daisy Foote), David (Alison Stewart-Guinee); seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; as well as other extended family and many friends who she loved deeply.

A memorial service to celebrate her life is to be conducted at three o’clock in the afternoon, on Saturday, the 4th of May, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

Immediately following all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent grand foyer.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be made in her memory to the Southern Poverty Law Center at www.splcenter.org or the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology at https://give.birds.cornell.edu/page/87895/donate/1

Though she may be physically absent, Trudy’s spirit, love and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of those fortunate to have known her. May she rest in peace.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolences with her family by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon below.