Waltraud Niemann Muller

Trudy was born on November 11, 1932, in Bremen, Germany, to Fritz and Emma Niemann. After World War II, at age 18, she bravely traveled alone to the United States, where aunts and uncles sponsored her and helped her begin a new life. She married William Maxwell Muller in 1951 and together they had five children. Her spunk, humor, and positive, solutions‑based practicality carried her through many of life’s hardships, including the loss of three children, divorce, a fire, and financial stress.

At age 50, Trudy enrolled in a Minnesota vocational school to pursue interior design. She earned her State of Texas licensure and later opened Showplace of Design in Austin, a store specializing in wholesale fabrics for the interior design trade. Known for her strong work ethic, she directed the construction of the store’s displays and racks with saw in hand. She had a gifted eye for design and loved helping others create beautiful spaces. Even in the nursing home, she enjoyed rearranging wreaths and wall décor, directing people, and negotiating business deals.

After retiring, Trudy devoted herself to her home and garden in Meadowlakes, a true showstopper built beside a ranch. Her patio became a peaceful gathering place where she admired her roses and counted the cows. She enjoyed many lunches there. She brought neighbors together, loved chatting in the driveway, and was still mowing her lawn at age 92.

Trudy is preceded in death by her parents; her half‑brother and step‑brother; her husband; three of her children and son-in-law. She is survived by her daughter, Carol; her son and daughter‑in‑law, Steven and Jennifer; and her grandchildren, Daniel and Jane. She also remained close to her extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins in both the United States and Germany.

Visitation and services will be held at Donza Funeral Home in East Rockaway, New York on the evening of April 14. Interment will follow on April 15 at Long Island National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest alongside her deceased children. A garden gathering for her Meadowlakes neighbors and Texas friends will be held later this month or in early May.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Trudy’s name to the Granite Mesa Nursing Home in Marble Falls where staff were instrumental in Trudy’s care and peaceful passing.