Gertrude "Trudy" Dowd

1920 - 2021

Gertrude "Trudy" Dowd 1920—1921
Gertrude "Trudy" Raleigh Dowd, 100, of Rockford, Illinois passed away on July 10, 2021. Trudy was born in Audubon, Iowa to William and Esta Dutler on November 15, 1920. Trudy was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and a great-great grandmother. She supported and encouraged her children to participate in religion, music, dance, scouting and sports. In 1938 Trudy, then known as Gertrude Dutler married Eugene Raleigh. They had three children: Jeannie (Dzielak), Richard Raleigh and Kay (Rogers). From 1949 to 1959 Trudy, then known as Gertrude Raleigh was employed at National Lock Company in Rockford. She managed the key inventory and was a UAW Union Chief Steward representing over 300 employees. She was also the editor of the weekly paper, Around the Clock at National Lock as well as being a loan officer at the credit union. In 1959 she was divorced from Eugene and married Thomas Dowd Sr. and thereafter was known as "Trudy" Dowd. She and Tom had a son Timothy Dowd in 1961. In 1966 Trudy began 20 years of employment at Sundstrand. She excelled in blueprint and gauge reading and was promoted to inspector of machined parts. She later transferred to Preservation Packaging where she worked until her retirement in 1986 at the age of 65. For the next 15 years Trudy worked and cared for many senior citizens who needed her love and assistance, finally really retiring at age 80. She continued to be a skillful driver but quit at age 92. Trudy maintained a very sharp mind by completing word puzzles and coloring beautiful pictures. Survivors include her children: Jeannie (Red) Dzielak, Richard (Joan) Raleigh, Kay (Don) Rogers and Tim Dowd. Stepchildren: Jerry (Barb) Dowd, Michelle Bailey and step-daughter-in-law Marsha Dowd. Trudy's sister Judy Grundemeier, 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Trudy was predeceased by her parents, her husbands Tom Sr. and Eugene, her sister Wilma Broecher, her brother Jerry Dutler and stepsons Thomas Dowd Jr. and Patrick Dowd. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 from 1 PM until the 2 PM funeral service at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115. PLEASE NOTE: Due to COVID strains, please respect others and wear a mask if you are not fully vaccinated. Private Interment at a later date. The family would like to thank her most recent care giver Kimberly for more than five years of loving and devoted care. With Kimberly's assistance and the constant around the clock care provided by her son Tim, Trudy was able to live in the home she dearly loved until the very end.