Ardith Trudzik

We regret to announce the passing of a great mother and teacher. Janet Ardith Trudzik passed away peacefully December 31, 2024 at the Royal Alexander Hospital in Edmonton. She was a generous, accomplished and energetic lady. Born July 4, 1934 Ardith was raised on a small farm near Rochfort Bridge, Alberta. It was a simple life but growing up in the 30’s and 40’s there were many difficult experiences that she often talked about. Ardith loved her siblings Ruby, Noel and Doug and they stayed in frequent contact throughout their lives. At the age of 17 she married Fred and continued to farm with him for many years, still at Rochfort Bridge. She soon found her calling as a teacher. She taught in first Rochfort Bridge, then Sangudo and then Mayerthorpe over a span of 35 years. Students in the area from those years have fond memories of her teaching methods. If there was a Christmas concert or Halloween pageant to be held, she led the way! Fred and Ardith had 3 boys; Russell, Darrell and Murrell. Ardith was like a soccer mom, taking the kids to activities and lessons, especially music lessons. Music was dear to Ardith’s heart. Her boundless energy led her from one fad to another. She took pottery lessons and then there were ceramic pots all over the house. She took painting lessons and then paintings were showing up everywhere. She kept some enormous rock gardens and there was always a large vegetable garden to feed the family, with her storing food away to last all winter. She was a dynamo in the community clubs and got things done. When it came time to write history books for the Rochfort Bridge, Sangudo and Mayerthorpe communities Ardith was there from beginning to end carrying photographs and manuscripts to and fro. Ardith talked Fred into taking dancing lessons in Edmonton. That soon evolved into Fred and Ardith actually giving dancing lessons in Mayerthorpe including to their own boys. The whole family would be seen together at community dances. Ardith loved taking pictures and making up photo albums. She could not resist giving gifts or cards, for every occasion. Her generosity was extraordinary. If someone needed money to further their education, she would help. When Fred and Ardith retired, they moved to the Mill Woods area of Edmonton. After Fred passed away Ardith battled with breast cancer, and won! She went on to write 3 biographical books discussing events from her life. She went as long as she could attending writing clubs and submitting pieces to magazines. Ardith was predeceased by her brother Douglas (Eleanor), sister Ruby, husband Fred, sons Russell and Darrell. She is survived by sister Noel (Roger), her son Murrell (Sophia) and four grandchildren Tanner, Trenton, Carlin and Celeste. A special thank you to Wendy Nicolson in taking on the role of caregiver in Ardith’s later years.

To honor Ardith’s life there will be a Memorial Service for family and friends on Thursday, January 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Hainstock’s Funeral Home, 9810-34 Avenue, Edmonton and at Mayerthorpe Legion Hall on Saturday, February 1, 2:00 p.m. A private interment will be held by the family at Rochfort Bridge Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the charity of choice.