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
Norman,
I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. The entire family has eternal gratitude for your unconditional, unending love.
This, of course, is a great loss to all of us.
If there’s anything we can do to be of help or assistance, do let us know.
Much love,
Scott
Trudi was my violin teacher from about age 8 to 14. She was a huge part of my life growing up and was the “sparkle” I had the privilege of learning under every Wednesday at the Victoria Conservatory of Music in the intermediate youth orchestra I participated in. She was such a joy to see every week. Her charisma and charm was unmatched and she had a magnetic energy that you just wanted to be around. An energy so strong that even as a young child you were drawn to her and it resonated within you. Trudi thank you for your gift that you shared with us as a violin teacher. Thank you even more for being the person that you were. May your light shine wherever it is now. We will miss you.
My condolences on your loss.
At least she is at peace now.
Jay
Oh Norm, what a battle it was.
My deepest condolences. Trudi deserves her peace and freedom. That such a talented individual could be neurologically afflicted so ruthlessly is truly unfair. Your infinite love, devotion and patience assisting her and ensuring the best medical treatments were remarkable. She was so lucky to have you in her life.
I hope that gives you comfort in this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Your friend and neighbour,
Richard
Dear Norman,
Both Bob and I send you our condolences.
The long struggle for Trudy has now ended and heaven has a new vibrant and beautiful star. She will be missed very much.
I am going to send you a poem which has some comforting words.
It is called, ‘May Memories Comfort You’
The tide recedes but leaves behind
bright footsteps in the sand,
Sun goes down, but gentle warmth
still lingers on the land,
The music stops, and yet it echoes on
in sweet refrains………
For every joy that passes
Something beautiful remains.
May your memories of Trudy bring you comfort and help keep Trudy close in your ❤️ Heart
Praying for you both and sending love,
Maureen
Dear Norman,
Lynda and I were both very saddened to hear of Trudi’s death.
Please accept our sincerest condolences. We were both at Extons in Raglan recently and Lynda and I both recalled our conversation at St David’s Hall when you asked me where I bought my striped jacket.
These coming days will be especially hard to bear and no words of mine will ease your pain and sense of loss but I will keep Trudi and you in my prayers.
Yours,
Don and Lynda
Rt.Hon. the Lord Touhig
Dear Norman
My heart goes out to you…We shall miss Trudi…she is one of the rare and beautiful memories in my life.
Thank you Norman for your love and strength in looking after Trudi.
So much more to say… but…
With my love,
Brian
Norman,
A beautiful soul has gone to another realm, leaving us the better for having shared her love and known her strength. Our loss may be profound, but Trudi’s freedom is the greater gain.
As always, I offer help and support at this difficult time.
…Carolyn
I’m so sorry Norman.
God bless you
Irene
Dear Norman,
I wish there were words that could express what is in my heart. Know that our thoughts and prayers are very much with you.
Trudi, my beloved Cuz T, was the most wonderful, amazing soul who blessed the lives of all those she touched. We share in your grief, but give thanks for her joyful release and new freedom now to continue her spiritual journey. Thank you for loving her and taking such good care of her. Her spirit will burn brightly.
❤️ forever,
Mary and family