Gertrude Rouss Musulman

Gertrude “Trudy” Musulman—affectionately known as “Mama Trudy” and “DeDe”—passed away after a long and beautiful life filled with love, laughter, faith, and family, on March 18, 2026 . Born on October 17, 1927, in Ensley, Alabama, Trudy grew up with a zest for life that never faded and a spirit that touched everyone she met.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Nata Spano Rouss; her sisters, Josephine Riebling and Rose Rouss; her brother, Charles Rouss; and her beloved husband, Joseph “Joe” A. Musulman, whom she met when he returned home from World War II. Together, they built a home rooted firmly in faith, tradition, and family as they raised their three wonderful children.

In her early years as a young mother, Trudy formed a lifelong friendship with a neighbor who taught her the art of being a beautician. What began as a simple trade soon blossomed into meaningful connections, the start of countless friendships, and eventually a business. With her vibrant personality and natural charm, Trudy and her dear friends opened Three Friends Beauty Shop in West End, Alabama—a perfect name for someone who truly never met a stranger.

Trudy was the epitome of grace and personal style. She was always “dolled up,” often seen with her signature stack of bangled bracelets on her left arm, her lipstick perfectly applied, and her joyful two toots of the horn as she drove off in her pride and joy—a Toyota RAV4 with a tag that read Trudy’s Special. She lived by her motto: “You never know who you may meet along your way.”

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. Sundays were sacred—gathering around the 100-year-old hand carved dining table overflowing with homemade Italian dishes, stories, and laughter. Trudy never sat during these meals; she bustled around the kitchen serving, cleaning, and ensuring everyone was happy and well fed. Together with her sister, Rose Marie Rouss, she hosted legendary Italian feasts with tables covered end to end with food, drinks, and cookies. For her American friends, she lovingly added homemade fried chicken to the spread.

At Christmastime, she delighted in baking her famous Italian fig cookies, Cucidati—a labor of love that took days to prepare and brought joy to all who received them.

Trudy’s life was rich with friendships and community. She spent cherished time in her younger years visiting aunts and uncles in Columbus, Georgia, listening to stories of her Italian heritage over delicious meals at the family’s historic restaurant, Spanos on 10th Street. She was a proud and devoted member of the Doodlers Club for 25 years, rarely missing a meeting and giving her full heart to everything she was part of.

She loved God. She loved her family. She loved dancing at the VFW, listening to country music, and cooking meals that became treasured family traditions. Her home was always open, her heart always full, and her smile always radiant.

She leaves behind a rich legacy through her children, Patricia M. Logan (Steve), Joseph Musulman, and Chris Musulman (Elizabeth). Her spirit lives on in her granddaughter, Chrisie Marie DePrima; great grandchildren, Britney Thomas (Timothy) and Christian Gunner Cole (Madison); and five great great grandchildren: Alexis Rose, Easton, Tatum, Kylie, and Colby. She leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews, as well as extended family members Mary Jane Marcus (Terry), Deborah Gordon, Brandon, Julie, and Isabel Gordon, and Wade and Tracey Cole, Tanner Nicholas and Juliana Spano, who held a special place in her heart. Each carries forward a piece of her beautiful legacy—one built on love, laughter, and family.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of Southland Nursing Home for their daily kindness, loving care, and support, and to the staff of SouthernCare Hospice in Selma, Alabama, for their expert care and devotion to both patient and family. A special thank you is given to Hanna Zahidi Lee, MD, W.S. Lee, MD, and Ben Lee, MD for their dedicated, compassionate care.

A visitation will be held at the Cathedral of St. Paul on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 9am until 10 am, with a Funeral Mass to follow at 10 am. Trudy will be laid to rest with her family in Birmingham’s historic Elmwood Cemetery.

God blessed Trudy with a long, wonderful life, and while she will be deeply missed, her melody—and those two toots of the horn—will echo in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation in Trudy’s memory to the American Stroke Association, Cathedral of St. Paul building and grounds fund, or your favorite charity.