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,
Brian and I are very sorry to hear about Trudi’s death. Although we haven’t been in touch for a while this affected us quite deeply. We have good memories of our get togethers and will always cherish those.
Kate and Brian Cairns
Dear Norman – for a full twenty years I sat in the “far corner” of the orchestra from Trudi, but her infectious enthusiasm for music and her incandescent spirit could be felt even in that far corner. Her love and support for both Annie and me is something that I will cherish forever. It’s not an easy job to me a musician; people like Trudi bring joy to it. There are legions of musicians, students, and audience members whose lives have been enriched by Trudi’s presence. That spirit will undoubtedly be eternal – may she rest in peace, and rise in glory. All our love to you and Eddie, and all those close to you. — Bob & Ann Fraser
Beloved and beautiful is right. Trudi was a once in a lifetime bright light. Always smiling, always making others feel valued, just so joyful.
I look forward to the service, I can only imagine the outpouring of love for Trudi all in one place will be spectacular.
Sarah
Dear Norman and Family,
I just wanted to share how very sorry and heart-breaking it was, to hear the news about Trudi.
What a genuine “treasure” Trudi – fond memories of sharing music with her at the Conservatory- so intelligent and inspiring!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hoping to see you in September.
Love, your friend in music, always..
Kristine
My hearfelt condolences, Norman and family………….most sincerely, Sylvia Fair
Kirsty, Alasdair and I were so sorry to hear of Trudi’s death, Years before the whole family was saddened that such a talented musician should be visited with a diagnosis of MS, a diagnosis she dealt with so courageously.Alasdair felt so privileged to be with her one last time.Thank you for that Norman and for the wonderful care you gave Trudi. Cherish the many memories you have of your time together.
Please take care of yourself.
Kirsty, Alasdair and Helen Money
Trudi was and always will be a beaming spirit and standard bearer of goodness and encouragement to all that knew her. I will miss her spark, her wit, and her inimitable way of making me feel close, the loving cousin she was. When I would visit Victoria from Seattle as a child and as an adult I would always ask, “Will Trudi be there?” It’s because of that closeness that we all experienced and how special she made us feel.
Thank you, Norman, for filling her days with charm.
Dear Norman,
It was with great sadness that I read of the death of your beloved Trudi. We had known Trudi as our son Andrew’s violin teacher years before I met the two of you at the Cathedral. What a lovely couple you were. I think the last time we saw you was on a BC ferry en route to Vancouver.
I have tried to convey the sad news to Ludmilla but her decline with Alzheimer’s is such that she cannot remember lifelong friends (nor even her brother). Were she still in the real world, I know she would join me in sending you our heartfelt condolences on your great loss.
I realise the last few years have been a struggle for both of you, but Trudi’s courage in dealing with her illness and your devotion, care and love for her stand out as an inspiration to us all. May she rest in peace.
John and Ludmilla
Dearest Norman,
Trudi. Just saying her name brings a smile to my face.
Trudi was everything – warm, witty, compassionate, caring, hilarious, gutsy, articulate, determined, wonderfully musical, and, of course – your soulmate.
To know what love and joy you brought each other, and to witness both of you tackle everything life threw at you with grace, tenacity, strength, and wisdom was a privilege. Norm, we are here for you – always.
Trudi, we will never forget you. Yours is a once in a lifetime light. Thank you for the gift of your friendship.
I’m very sorry for your loss. Take good care. I hope that you can find some peace in your memories! My condolences from the east coast.
Love,
Rebecca