Toril "Trudi" Dingstad Mazzuchi

Toril, known to many friends as “Trudi,” was born on March 11th, 1948, in Krakstad, Norway and first visited the United States and the Washington, DC area in 1966 where she fell in love instantly with America. She loved the culture, freedom of individuality, and diversity that she found here and though she returned home to Norway briefly she moved to America permanently in 1968. She later proudly became a U.S. citizen.

Toril made Washington, DC her home working jobs such as a jewelry store clerk, a law firm administrative assistant, and a personal stylist in a women’s clothing store before starting a career in the restaurant industry, first as a bartender and waitress for the well-liked Mr. Smith’s of Georgetown, and then moving into positions as a bookkeeper and financial controller first for the Washington restaurant Charlie’s Crab until it closed, and then for The Palm Restaurant organization where she worked until retirement.

She met Jerry, her husband and love of her life, while working at Mr. Smith’s of Georgetown. They started dating in 1977, got married in 1981, and spent the rest of their lives together living in the Dupont Circle area, a neighborhood that they both adored. Toril was an excellent partner for Jerry, matching his wit and love of fun, together they threw many parties for friends and family. They made friends out of almost everyone they met, particularly the staff and owners of many Washington restaurants of which they were loyal and enthusiastic patrons. Toril cherished both the Mazzuchi family and her Norwegian family with heart and soul throughout her life.

Toril was preceded in death by her parents Torbjorn Dingstad and Ester Dingstad, and her brother Hans-Jacob Dingstad and his wife Solveig Marion Dingstad. She is survived by her sister Jorun Sofie Berger, Jorun’s children Tor-Einar, and Mette-Helene, her brother Hans Jacob’s sons Bjorn, and Didrich, and her own son Andrew Palmer, as well as numerous cousins, great nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Father Flanagan’s Boys Town and/or St Jude's Children’s Hospital.