Our beloved, beautiful Trudi slipped away from the bonds of infirmity on Thursday, July 7, 2022, reclaiming freedom and peace. Her departure ended a protracted and heroic struggle with Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease. She was predeceased by her mother, Marie Conrad (née Thompson), her father, Edward Conrad and her brother, Ted Conrad.
Leaving to mourn her, are many. To begin, there is her family. She leaves her devoted, now deeply grieving husband Norman, his son, Dr. Christopher Prelypchan (Dr. Laura Zeznik), their sons, Max and Finn and Norman’s daughter, Erin Prelypchan (Kris Hooper). Theirs was the immense blessing, having Trudi as part of their lives, though for far too short a time. The more fortunate are those family members who had Trudi for most of their lives. Those to mourn are her sister, Patricia Murray (Dr. Alistair Murray), Patricia’s son, Drew Denny, Trudi’s brother, Duncan Conrad (Cherie) and their children Kelly and Scott Conrad (Ashley).
She leaves cousins, extended family and many closely held friends. There are also those who mourn having enjoyed Trudi’s friendship arising largely by association, through her life of music. Each now grieving, accepts that they were favored by Trudi’s love, expressed in her own special way, without judgment.
Trudi will be remembered as someone who lived her life with a sense of grace that easily touched others. She was recognized as an exceptional Violinist, as well as an inspiring Teacher. Tributes to her flow from her influence on the community of fellow performers, from her students and from the listening audiences before whom she once performed.
Trudi loved travel. She fondly reminisced about the encouragement she received from a teacher in her early years, urging her to play her violin as best she could and from that effort, perhaps enjoy the opportunity to see more of the world. See the world she did, during the time she was a student and later as a performer with many orchestras. After retirement was brought about because of her illnesses, she revisited that life of travel with Norman until her broken body could no longer endure the challenges. Still, her gracious spirit never yielded.
It will be a different world without her. A brilliant light that she was, has left us.
A Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration of Life for Trudi will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Avenue, Victoria, BC, on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at 1:30 pm.
Condolences may be offered to family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
142 Responses
Dear Norman
We were so sorry to hear of Trudi passing she was a wonderful remarkable kind person that loved you with all her heart ❤️ we loved your visit to our store may you remember and treasure your memories you made together from the strong love for each other
Dear Norman:
My condolences at this time of sadness. Trudi was such a vital and positive person. I feel so blessed to have known her. What an encouraging person she was to young musicians! I remember how she rejoiced with our daughter Bridget when it was announced that Bridget would be attending the Congress of Strings in Detroit. Trudi had attended some years before and she was full of reassurance and practical advice as well as enthusiasm for the venture. Our daughter Caitlin benefitted from having Trudi as her teacher for a number of years…a solid foundation laid down with grace and positive encouragement.
You took such good care of Trudi Norman and were a tireless advocate for her in the health care system. Thank you.
Now she is flying free and I’m sure is making music with the angels. Bless her heart.
Dear Norman,
We attended a concert at UVic several years ago, when Trudi was still playing.
I recall that, as the musicians were assembling, she smiled into the audience and raised her bow toward someone, who I saw was you. I remember thinking how wonderful it was that you two had come together.
I am so very, very sorry for your loss.
Allan joins me in sending our warm sincere condolences.
Love,
Margaret
X
Dear Norman,
Trudi was a very talented lady and will be remembered for her smile and warm personality.
I loved the story of your courtship and love for each other. I know you must miss her every day.
I wish you comfort for the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Diane Read
Norm,
My heart aches for you, and I wish I could be there to help you carry your burden. Trudi was an incredible woman, and she deserves to be mourned in a profound fashion. I found her worldly and sophisticated, yet warm and familiar. I met you guys around the time I lost my mother, and I remember a long and emotional conversation about this with Trudi sitting in the front room, the room with a piano(?). I have a very clear image of her in that moment. It wasn’t particularly dramatic, and the memory of it is probably enhanced by her quiet but steadfast support following that conversation, but her words gave me confidence to push on. The encouragement and support you and Trudi gave me to extend myself and chase that crazy dream played a huge role in one of the defining moments of my life. I’ll hold that image of Trudi in my memory.
Best Regards,
Cameron Dueck
Hello Norman, from Scotland.
You are right that Rosemary would have wanted us to know about Trudi. So sorry for your loss of such a lovely lady. We have fond memories of our day in Vancouver. I expect you still have the sketch of Gus.
In friendship
Valerie and Ian
Oh my dear Norman!
I’m so very sad to see this… my heart aches for you and all those who loved your dear sweet amazing Trudi!!! It is so hard for me to express in the appropriate words what is in my heart at this moment. I can only think of our time together and the memories of first meeting you and Trudi onboard the ship and how grateful I am that our paths crossed!
I know all too well what a sad and difficult time this must be for you… especially after so many years of never-ending love, devotion and caring for Trudi…your soulmate! You both handled it all with so much courage, dignity and grace – you are both an inspiration!
Trudi’s obituary was so beautifully written and a perfect tribute to an amazing woman! She will be so very missed by so many…and forever in our fondest memories!
Norman, you will be in my most loving thoughts and I will be holding you close to my heart in the coming days ahead.
I would like to share this anonymous quote a friend sent after Randall passed…
“No time on earth is long enough to share with those we love, or to prepare our hearts for good-bye~ “
So very true.”
Please stay in touch and let me know when arrangements are finalized for the Service of Thanksgiving for Trudi’s Life.
Rest in Peace dearest Trudi~
Sending you love and light,
Patrice❤️
I have been trying to find the words, but nothing can really express my sadness. It’s been such a comfort to know that you were by dear Trudi’s side throughout her cruel ordeal. I am so relieved that she is no longer in pain and is now at peace, but you are constantly in my thoughts. I hope your family and friends are looking after you.
Trudi, Miranda and I shared such unforgettable times in Salzburg. I mean, how fortunate was I!!! I rock up from Australia with my violin and suitcase, not knowing a soul, and instantly fall in with these two beautiful people, who soon became my dearest friends in the whole world. We were so lucky to have experienced all we did, toured so much together, and had such crazy adventures with the James Last Band.
I am also so fortunate to know what it is to share such a great love as you and Trudi have for each other. That is something that will never die. All I can do is hope that you feel my love and positive thoughts as you grieve. Thank you for taking such good care of her.
With all my love,
Gill
Dear Norman,
It was good to see you tonight with ever cheerful Eddie.
Even though we only met you and Trudy not a long time ago we followed Trudy’s ordeal with physical suffering and your never ending devotion to enhance her quality of life.
In this difficult period of grieving try to remember the funniest times you had together.
Nature, friends and unconditional love of Eddie will heal the pain and open your heart to new adventures.
Tatiana & Paul
I miss you already Trudi. I’m gonna miss our brief visits and you always brought a smile to my face. Coming to clean your room at the hospital was a high point in my day. I will treasure the card you gave me forever. I’m so so sad to see you go but I’m just glad you’re not in pain anymore. All my love to you and Norman and the puppy.