Gertrude “Trudy” Janick passed away on July 5, 2020 at the age of 95, (just 3 months short of her 96th birthday) after a 5-year struggle with lewy body dementia. Trudy was born in Kulm, ND on October 26, 1924, where she grew up. Her parents were of German descent. Her father, Andreas Hauff, immigrated from Russia at a young age and met Trudy’s mother, Mathilda Hasz in North Dakota. Trudy came from a large family of 12 siblings. She graduated from high school there and moved to Tampa, FL, where older siblings lived.
In Tampa, she met her future husband, Ted Janick, at a roller skating rink. He was enlisted in the Air Force during WWII. After the war ended, they moved to Chicago, IL and married in 1947. Trudy worked for Western Union while Ted completed his degree at the Aeronautical University in Chicago. From Chicago, Boeing offered Ted a job and off to Seattle they went in 1951, with just a couple of suitcases and steamer trunks.
Trudy was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in West Seattle from 1953 to 1961 where she made many friends. Once made, she always kept in touch. She was a very spiritual person and saw the good in everyone. In turn, she was well-liked by all who knew her.
Both Trudy and Ted were active in their church at St. John’s Episcopal Church in West Seattle. Trudy taught Sunday school classes, while Ted was a member of the vestry. There they made more friends. While Trudy enjoyed working with the youngsters in church, she was the sought-after family babysitter for her nieces and nephews whom she adored.
Trudy was well known for her fun and feisty personality, even as she gracefully aged into her 70’s and 80’s. She often started many summertime family water fights, and always had a clever comeback in conversation.
Trudy was a 20-year volunteer at Providence Mount St. Vincent from 1977 to 1997. She was inspired to volunteer when her mother moved to a nursing home in North Dakota. She assisted in the activities with the residents and became an active member of the Auxiliary. She was President for several years. She enjoyed working with the nuns and residents alike. When she ended her work at St. Vincent, she helped her older friends, taking them to appointments, running errands and visiting.
Ted passed away prematurely in May of 1997, just 3 months short of their 50th wedding anniversary. Trudy kept the family home until 2008. At that time, she found a new community at Daystar Retirement Village in West Seattle. She knew friends living there and felt it would be a great place to live. That proved to be so true. She participated in the many trips and activities that Daystar offered and made even more friends.
Trudy enjoyed crafting and sewing. She got involved with card making and stamping and created many beautiful cards, which she gave to her friends and family. Many of us have one of her keepsake masterpieces!
Trudy and Ted had 2 daughters, Juanita Janick (Marty Jezek) and Julie Speed. Trudy also leaves her youngest sister, Lenora Bernhagen, her oldest and best friend, Mabel Elliott, step-grandson Max Jezek, and many friends, cousins, nieces and nephews located all around the country.
No memorial gathering is planned at this time due to COVID-19. Donations may be sent to the Franciscan Foundation.
Our family would like to thank Daystar’s Assisted Living Care Team and CSI Franciscan Hospice. You are amazing!
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