Obituary of Gertrude May Waldie
Trudy was an exceptional person who lived a long, happy life. She valued her family and her Christian faith above all else. Born on a farm in Malahide Township near Aylmer, ON, young Trudy loved school, excelling in Math and Latin especially. Multi-talented Trudy performed along with her four sisters as a singing group at local churches and was the fastest runner at her school! Music was always an important part of Trudy’s life and she went on to sing in church choirs in St. Thomas, Strathroy and Florida. She became a teacher; she taught in the junior room of a two-room school in Sparta, ON, where she met her future husband, Gordon Waldie, who was the teacher in the senior room.
Trudy soon left the workforce to focus on raising her young family of five children in St. Thomas, ON. She taught them respect, kindness, and always encouraged them in their schooling, “Mom, can you ask me my French vocab please” or “Mom, will you proof-read this story for me please”. She always had an active faith through missionary work and other work in the church. She loved flowers and she grew the best African violets which Gordon sold at the market. When she discovered orchids, she switched allegiance and focused on producing the most wonderful blooms!
Trudy always remained attached to her family and never passed up an opportunity to get in the car and visit with them at their homes, embracing her children and grandchildren and encouraging each of them to be their own best. She had a quiet humour and a twinkle of fun in her eye. After Gordon retired, they moved to Strathroy, ON and wintered in Florida, really enjoying hosting their families as they came to visit.
Trudy lost Gordon in 2008 and continued to live independently in her own home until she was 99 at which point she moved to Upper Canada Lodge (UCL) in Niagara-on-the-Lake where she succumbed to COVID. Many thanks to all of the wonderful staff at UCL who helped care for her, especially the PSWs and nursing staff in St. David’s House. She told family often that we chose a very good place for her to live.
She never lost her positive outlook on life, always finding good in her situation despite physical limitations in later years. And she retained a sharp wit that endeared her to many throughout her life journey.
Trudy is survived by her five children: Betty Farris (Rob), Don (Wendy deceased in 2017), Louise (Andrew Porteus), John (Karen) and Keith (Laurie) as well as 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Rest in Peace Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma. You are loved and will be remembered for all of our days.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 13th, 2023 at DENNING'S OF STRATHROY at 2:00 PM. A reception to follow. Online condolences and donations may be made at www.strathroyfuneralhome.com.
