THRUDA (TRUDY) ESTHER ERICKSON

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THRUDA (TRUDY) ESTHER ERICKSON It is with great sorrow that the family announces the passing of Thruda (Trudy) Esther Erickson on 26 May, 2009. She passed unexpectedly and peacefully with family at her side. She was predeceased by her husband John, in 1980. She is survived by children Janet (Tom), Linda (Bruce), Marnie (Brian), Geoffrey, and Kris (Terry) and grandchildren Matthew, Geoffrey, Kendall, Crystal and Billy. Trudy was born in 1932, and raised in Winnipeg. She met her husband, John, during high school at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. During high school she was an excellent athlete, specializing in track and field events, such as running hurdles. She was also a gifted musician, singing lead parts in high school operettas - she was fond of Gilbert and Sullivan throughout her life. Small children learned to have great respect for the Lord High Executioner. Trudy had always wanted to be a teacher, but, instead devoted herself to providing a lively and stimulating upbringing to the large family. She maintained a stable, loving home environment for the family during John's lengthy absences while he served in the Canadian Navy and during his time as a logistical specialist on the Canadian Distance Early Warning line. Once the children were independent, she became a longtime employee of the Winnipeg Free Press. On her retirement from the Free Press, Trudy led a quiet life, resuming her passion for reading and cinema. She continued to enjoy a love of music, especially the big band sounds of her youth during the 1940s. Trudy was extremely proud of the family's ongoing commitment to the Canadian Forces and the service of grandsons Matthew and Geoffrey, and their father Richard Dumas, as members of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. There was a casual gathering of friends and family who shared memories and celebrated the life of Trudy on Friday, May 29, 2009 at the Prince Edward Legion #81. In celebration of Trudy's Icelandic heritage, her remains will be dispersed near Gimli, Manitoba during a quiet gathering of immediate family. In lieu of flowers, the family would very much appreciate donations be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation in her honour. Deep in our hearts Your memory is kept, To love, to cherish, To never forget. Today, tomorrow, our Whole life through We will always Love and remember you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 30, 2009