Gertrude Ruth Marron Spierling

Gertrude (Trudi) M. Spierling passed away on May 13, 2010, after a valiant battle with cancer. She was born April 5, 1952, to Gertrude and Richard Morron, in Greenwich, CT. Trudi spent her early life in Wilmette, IL, Wilton, CT (1967-1969), and then Missoula, MT (1974-1988). She had lived and worked in Lake Stevens, WA, since 1988.

Trudi was preceded in death by her grandparents and father-in-law. Surviving family members include her husband, Robert, of Lake Stevens, WA; her daughter Sarah (Kevin) Mack of Everett, WA; her son, Matthew Gore, of Lake Stevens, WA; her granddaughters Hannah and Caitlin Mack; her father, Richard Morron, of Madison, CT; her mother Gertrude Morron, of Lafayette, CO; her sister, Kelly Morron, of Wilton, CT; her sister, Jocelyn (Robert) Gebhardt, of Lafayette, CO; her mother-in-law, Ann Spierling, of Missoula, MT; her brother-in-law, John Spierling, of Missoula, MT; and her sister-in-law, Dana Spierling, of Hamilton, MT. Four nieces and nephews will remember Trudi with affection, as will many cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws and friends.

The joy and well-being of her family was always her greatest concern, and some of her greatest happiness came from many hours of reading with her granddaughters. Her family will remember her passion and caring for her job as an elementary school teacher and administrator in Lake Stevens School District for more than 20 years. Her colleagues and students brought her so much joy. Trudi will also be remembered for her loving and compassionate nature, dignity, optimism, her sense of adventure and her zest for life. She was truly one of those unique people whose genuine warmth and kindness made her loved by many. The world is a nicer place because Trudi lived, and her spirit and compassion will live on in all of us who loved her.

Friends are invited to a celebration of Trudi’s life at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 21, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2301 Hoyt Ave. in Everett, WA. Reception to follow.

You are invited to post remembrances in the online guest book at www.mem.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Trudi to the American Cancer Society at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/mrs.spierling.