Trudi Schouten

She wasn’t quite ready to go because she always had more to do, but on Friday, December 6, after a full life and a brief illness, Geertruida (Trudi) Schouten went very peacefully back to her maker. She was 98.

Trudi was born on May 26, 1926, the third of six children, in Oud Ade, a village in the province of South Holland, the Netherlands. She married her husband of 57 years in 1949. John and Trudi and their children emigrated to the United States eight years later.

She was a wonderful mother and an amazingly resourceful Homemaker, selflessly supporting her husband in his work while finding her way through a lifetime of meeting challenges on behalf of her family. She was a lifelong member of SS Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish, an active volunteer for her church, a fast friend, and a happy, positive, grateful presence to everyone she ever met.

Among the many joys in her life, Trudi most loved spending time with her children and her grandchildren. Nothing needed to be fancy; just the simple fun of family gatherings, special celebrations, cozy meals together featuring her favorite Dutch goodies, and weekly card games with the youngsters. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting. Her hands were never idle, and her exquisite handiwork included everything from blankets to knit caps to Christmas pajamas, all treasured staples in every one of her children’s homes. They are reminders of her great love and the great joy she brought to everything she did.

Trudi’s survivors include her children; Ron (Kathy), Sjon, Marjo Buennagel (Jim), Rudy (Cindy), Bob (Connie), Phil (Sheri), and Trudy Irene Young (Cary); Kim O’Mara, Diane Frank; 22 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, and infant daughter, Maria Johanna Schouten.

She has requested that memorial contributions be directed to Riley Children’s Hospital.

A visitation for Trudi will be held Thursday, December 12th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary (71st & Keystone). A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00am Friday, December 13th at SS. Peter & Paul Cathedral at 1347 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202.