Hoodie Troutman (Nell Ridley Troutman), 63, died peacefully at her Atlanta home on Friday, July 19 after a 23-year battle with cancer. An Atlanta native, Hoodie honored her Southern background in everything she did, proving to many "Yankees" the true meaning of "Steel Magnolia." A 1967 graduate of D'Youville Academy, an all girls' high school taught by the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart in Atlanta, Hoodie would go on to attend the University of Georgia and then to begin an incredible journey in film and video production that would include, among her many accomplishments, the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee as Audio-Visual Manager. Beginning with video tape productions, multi-image presentations and theatrical shows for corporate America, Hoodie went on to produce and direct films and documentaries with her company, Hoodie Troutman Productions Inc. Her ability to organize, strategize and visualize an event proved essential in the management of company meetings, sports events, fund raisers and theme parties. Hoodie maintained a California office from 1984 – 1994. With a social grace and ease that bespoke her upbringing and a delicious and delightful sense of play that was uniquely hers, Hoodie could walk into a room and make friends with her smile--especially if she was wearing her Witches' set of zombie green and yellow teeth. She knew timing and place meant everything. She used this knowledge frequently and with great gusto throughout her life. Her battle with cancer began in 1991. She was a founding board member of The Wellness Community--Atlanta, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a variety of supportive services for cancer patients and their families. In partnership with her medical team, she tapped into the healing power of her mind, spirit and body in order to manage her illness. Her love of travel increased and she saw the world, from Tahiti to Tibet, Oman and Yemen to Fiji. Hoodie also started on her journey as an artist and discovered a passion and a talent she didn't realize she had. Hoodie was a member of the Atlanta Junior League, the Mimosa Garden Club and the Piedmont Driving Club. Hoodie was predeceased by her father, Robert B. Troutman, Jr. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Bonnie Troutman of Atlanta and by her beloved dog, Sadie, and cat, Tramp. Other survivors include her mother and younger brother. A memorial celebration of Hoodie’s life will be held on Saturday, July 27, at 2:00PM at H.M. Patterson & Son—Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Road, NE, Sandy Springs GA 30328. The family will receive friends prior to the service and at a reception following the ceremony. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Piedmont Healthcare/Cancer Wellness and sent to the attention of Carolyn Helmer, LCSW, 1800 Howell Mill Road, Suite 700, Atlanta GA 30318.
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