Trudy T. Fallon

Trudy Fallon of Torrance passed-away Sunday, December 15 after a valiant seven-year battle with breast cancer. Family and friends mourn the loss of this remarkable woman, whose very life served as a vibrant example of hope and inspiration. Trudy was a devoted wife and mother, a gifted vocal artist, guitarist, songwriter, teacher, and creator of musical programs for children.

Trudy was born Gertrude Theresa Thomas on August 17, 1953 in New York City. She loved all types of music, dance and art from an early age. In her teen years she lived in Bedford, New York and graduated with honors from Kennedy High School, Somers, New York in 1971. She was awarded a Regents Scholarship and a Marymount College Scholarship (Tarrytown, New York), where she studied Music Education and received her B.A, cum laude, and teaching credential in 1975. During her junior year, she studied voice and composition in Vienna, Austria. In 1976, she created and hosted a 16-week TV series of guitar lessons entitled ''Guitar Rhythm for Rookies'' for Westchester County Cable Television, New York.

In 1977, her musical expertise and beauty brought her the ''Miss Westchester'' (NY) crown where she served as a spokesperson for arts education. She also competed in the ''Miss New York'' competition by writing, scoring, and performing an original flamenco guitar piece with a 20-piece orchestra. Her music credits include writing and recording guitar soundtracks for Weston Woods Studio, Westport, CT, and for her children's album ''Sweet Pea.'' In 1977, she was chosen for membership in New York's Zeigfield Club.

In 1979, after a move to California, she joined RCA Records for two years as a coordinator of international artist tours in the United States. Two years later, she devoted her energies to teaching music to children, which she pursued enthusiastically for 15 years. Her talent, dedication and wit touched hundreds of children. She taught at St. James and St. Lawrence Catholic Schools in Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach Elementary Schools, Good Shepherd School in Beverly Hills and Peninsula Heritage School in Rolling Hills Estates. In addition to her work with grade-school children, she also developed her ''Little Musicians'' Music Education Program that was a wonderful contribution to the pre-school-age children of the South Bay. In 1992, the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce acknowledged her as an ''Outstanding Young Educator of the South Bay.''

In 1985, she married British photographer, teacher and fine artist, Bernard Fallon. They were blessed with two sons, Patrick in 1988 and Daniel in 1992.

Prior to her passing, she expressed deep gratitude for the loving support from her family and friends. She was grateful to her dedicated doctor, David Chan, and the staff at Cancer Care Associates for their excellent care, friendship, and contributions to her quality of life. She also expressed appreciation for the loving support of the families at Cornerstone School, Riviera Hall, Redondo Union High School, and Peninsula Heritage School.

Trudy Fallon is survived by her husband, two sons, her father George Thomas of Vero Beach FL, and brothers George, Richard, and John.

Visitation will be held at Rice Mortuary, 5310 Torrance Blvd., Torrance (310-540-6677) from 4 to 6 PM on Wednesday, December 18. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. James Church, 415 Vincent Street in Redondo Beach on Friday, December 20 at 1:30 PM. A gathering in the Church Hall will follow directly. A private interment service will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City.

Trudy suggested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Patrick and Daniel Fallon Scholarship Fund.