NORWICH – Gertrude Elinda “Trudy” Brady, 58, died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, at Chenango Memorial Hospital, following a brief one sided battle with a vicious and very rare cancer.
She was born on September 3, 1951, in New Berlin, the daughter of Frederick and Viola Johnson. She attended schools in Brookfield and Jacksonville Junior College in Florida. Trudy had also participated in numerous courses in the research of Autism. She worked with DCMO BOCES as a special education and preschool teacher. Trudy devoted her life to learning and service in the field of autism over the last 30 years. She was always hard working, dedicated, selfless, and devoted to family and those with special needs. Trudy was greatly involved with the Blind Work Association, Project Children of Northern Ireland, and was a member of the American Legion and VFW auxiliaries. She possessed a lovely singing voice and was a gifted graphic artist. She so loved her years of walking, and aerobic and fitness courses with her dear friend Kathy Reediger. Trudy was a parishioner of St. Paul’s Catholic Church of Norwich, and enjoyed the special care and grace of Father Ralph Bove.
Trudy is survived by her husband, Frank; daughters, Sarah and Mary; sons, Frank and James; granddaughter, Natalie Auwarter; and a son-in-law, Daniel Auwarter. She is also survived by a sister Mary Reid; brothers Rocky and Donny Johnson and their respective families.
Trudy received the best of comfort and care from the Chenango Memorial Hospital staff, and her long time friend Joanie Burch.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church of Norwich with the Rev. Ralph Bove, pastor, as celebrant. Spring interment will be in North Norwich Cemetery. In keeping with Trudy’s wishes, there is no calling hours. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Paul Funeral Home of Madison.
In lieu of flowers, any and all memorial contributions should be made to the Autism Research Institute, 4182 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116, www.autism.com/ari in Trudy’s memory.