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
When I think of you and Trudi a smile comes to my face. To see the both of you so much in love over the years was/is heart warming. I’m so glad you both found each other and were able to share a large portion of your lives together.
Take care of yourself Norman, and give yourself the time and grace to grieve your love for Trudi.
For me ,Trudi was always a shining light in the orchestra and a fabulous musician/ teacher. She was a true leader from within the section.
I distinctly remember when Trudi came to me to resign as her playing was slipping, she told me. A true sense of responsibility to the music and the orchestra. I will and have missed her.
You are a true knight when it comes to showing nobility, love and compassion.
Peter
Dear Norman,
There really are no words. All I can think of now is what a beautiful life you gave Trudi and I know her beauty of spirit was a gift to you as it was to all who knew her.
Whenever you like, I can share the story of the first time I heard from her about you. Until then, you will be in my thoughts.
Sending love and comfort,
Nancy DiNivo
Dear Norman,
Just to let you know that all our thoughts and warmest wishes are with you. I know that even though the relief that Trudi is now at peace and released from her suffering will be sustaining you, there will be so much grief too.
We all send our love and hope that you’ll feel it, together with big waves of compassion.
Miranda, Peter and Casimir
Norm
We are so sorry. She was a wonderful person. So comforting to know she is not suffering anymore.
Kevin and I send our love.
Kevin and Lois
Saddened by the news. An amazing woman who can now fly free. Our hearts are with you, Norm.
Tom and Karen
Dear friend,
I am very sorry and very sad! for you Norm… You just lost someone very special.
But that special person is, as you said very well, “reclaiming her freedom”: As an angel, Trudi is now in paradise… “at peace”. Norm, Trudi is and will be with you until you guys meet again.
As for now, you have to show her your unconditional love by taking care of yourself and your “little companion”… And if you feel lonely, just look at Trudi’s loving smile on that picture…
You will feel good and thankful for the beautiful years you shared.
I will be at the service: I know she would have found “happiness, peace and joy”.
In a few weeks, I will try to set up some “gathering”.
See you soon my friend.
Jean-Claude and Deirdre
Norman
We are so saddened to hear of Trudi’s passing.
Thankfully we had that chance to visit with Trudi in April. We never imagined that would be our last time we had to talk to her, to visit with her and to see that sparkle in her eyes; even as she battled her medical ailments.
We know you have been such a supportive partner and personal advocate for Trudi for many years.
As you said “She has slipped away from the bonds of infinity and reclaimed her freedom and is at peace.
Thanks for everything you have done, our hearts and thoughts are with you.
Much love,
Larry & Brenda
Dear Norm,
So sad to hear of Trudi’s passing but as you especially know, she is in a better place now. You, her family and friends are all saddened by her passing from this earth and will carry many cherished memories. No more suffering for our very loving and cheerful friend until we meet again.
May you feel God’s presence with you these days during your bereavement.
David and Mary Anne
Both Diana and I offer our sincerest sympathies on the loss of Trudi. We pray that the Almighty God may grant Trudi eternal rest in His Kingdom. May you and your family be blessed with strength and faith in this difficult time. I had a service this morning, as it was our Patronal Feast Day, and we commemorated Trudi during the Service. May Trudi’s Memory be Eternal!
Veechnaya Pam’yat!
☦❤
Love,
Richard & Diana
It was with heavy hearts that we read of Trudi’s passing. We will always think of Trudi as a beautiful, caring and talented lady, whom we shall miss and we feel deeply for your loss. We take comfort with the thoughts that you have had treasured times together. Please accept our condolences and sincere sympathy.
Thinking of you,
Margaret and Keith.