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 are so sorry to hear this news. Trudi is finally now at peace – and that brings some solace. We hope that you will eventually find some peace as well – most importantly, please take care of yourself. Don’t hesitate to contact us for anything at anytime if there is anything we can do.
Terry and Lorraine
We will always cherish the fond memories we have of our dear friend Trudi. Our sincere condolences.
Cory and Jen
Dearest Norman,
This is not unexpected, but so deeply sad nonetheless.
Your words couldn’t be more perfect in every way!! I’m so moved and will carry always ALL the memories through the years of our beloved beautiful Trudi..
My and Yariv’s heart are with you today and onwards and wishes that you are feeling supported and comforted at every turn.
The two of you are such an example to us all.
Love, love, love – that is all that ever matters.
Pam and Yariv
Dear Norman,
I am so sorry to hear that Trudi is gone. Thinking of you both with much love and sympathy.
Stacey
Dear Norman,
Thank you for letting us know about Trudi’s passing. She certainly was an inspiring spirit whose unwitting influence was spread wide and far. Although we’ll miss her we are grateful that our paths crossed and we’re thankful that we can carry the many uplifting memories of her with us for the rest of our lives. Please accept our sympathy and condolences.
Big hugs,
Gary and Harmon
Oh, Norman,
We are so sorry to hear the news. What a beautiful lady and what wonderful years she had with you.
Love,
Teresa and Keith
Norm:
We are so sorry to hear this news. We think how fortunate you were to find each other. It certainly was a blessing for you both,
With love,
Sandra and David
Norman
This morning, there is a large empty Trudi-sized hole in the lives of not only us, but everyone who knew her. In these last days and months, you and Trudi have each, in your own distinct way, displayed a level of heroism that has been amazing and inspiring to observe, and in fact, I saw with each visit the degree to which the two of you inspired each other, in the best spirit of a true marriage. The time for talk and reminiscence is later. For now, just know that my-our-thoughts are with both of you
Love
Dave
Dear Norman:
We are so sorry for your loss. At the same time, I am so thankful that you could be Trudi’s husband, friend, companion and advocate, especially as she declined.
God bless you and keep you in the days ahead!
Thank you for taking such good care of my sweet cousin!
Sending loving prayers your way,
Nancy
Dear Norman,
I am so saddened to hear that Trudi has passed away. My thoughts and heart are with you as you grieve. You have been an angel for Trudi for so many years, making her life magical and beautiful and filled with love, bringing her joy and hope and support. Trudi was such a light of positive spirit. I will always remember her as the light that shone for all of us. I will always remember her music and the many musical moments we shared together, and I am grateful for each of them, and for each moment I spent with the two of you.
Love,
Tania