Trudy Rinehart

Ehrentrudis “Trudy” Rinehart, 92, of Williamsburg, passed away on March 19, 2021. She was born in Salzburg, Austria in 1928, and named Ehrentrudis after the founder of Nonnberg Abbey, where she attended school and the location of the filming of “The Sound of Music.” In April of 1950, she married an American serviceman from Texas. During her husband’s military career, they traveled extensively. In 1967, she and her family set up permanent residence in Williamsburg. For many years, Trudy worked as a seamstress for the Jamestown Settlement, and made numerous costumes for Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. Here in Williamsburg, Trudy’s life was dedicated to serving persons with disabilities. She exemplified the spirit of volunteerism and compassion, and increased community awareness and engagement for persons with disabilities. Trudy was a co-founding member of the Arc of Greater Williamsburg Chapter. She served several roles, including as a volunteer, donor, board member, and Arc Angel. She volunteered and helped organize many events, including the Annual Christmas party, the William & Mary Arc Carnival, and the Annual Day at Busch Gardens. To honor her years of dedicated service, ‘The Rinehart Award for Volunteer of the Year’ was created in her name. Trudy was one of the charter members of St. Olaf Catholic Church, and very active on the parish committee, as well as both the St. Olaf Choir and the Linen ministry. She was also a member of the American Legion, and had been a member of the VFW– 8046 AUX since 1976. Trudy is survived by her husband, Willie Rinehart; daughters, Suzanne Rinehart and Debra Stevenson (Ted); grandchildren, Erin Duke, Amanda Mattheisen, and Alex Duke; and great-grandchildren, Alex, Gabby, Waylon, Beau, Presley, Blake, and Carter. A visitation will be held Thursday, March 25, 2021 from 12-1:00pm at St. Olaf Catholic Church, where the service will begin at 1:00pm. A livestream of the service may be viewed at https://www.stolaf.cc/celebrate-mass-live. Interment will follow at 3:00pm at Peninsula Memorial Park. In remembrance of Trudy’s life, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to The Arc of Greater Williamsburg online https://www.thearcgw.org/donate, or via mail at 150-D Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.