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Trudith Rishikof Obituary
TRUDITH NOEHREN RISHIKOF
Known to all as Trudi, died on October 6, 2011, one day before her sixty-fifth birthday. Trudi was born in Rochester, NY to loving parents Dr. Theodore and Madeleine Noehren and raised in Buffalo. She attended high school at Buffalo Seminary and spent her childhood summers at Quaker Lake, PA, dominating on the tennis court and dazzling on the dance floor. Trudi went on to graduate from Mount Holyoke College with a B.A. in art history and earn an M.Ed. in English as a Second Language (ESL) from Boston University and an MBA from Arthur D. Little School of Management.Trudi's career was anchored by a love of languages, cultures, communication and public service. Early on she taught ESL, communications and international business practices to students across the globe, from Botswanan businessmen to Harvard MBA students to French senior executives. Trudi was also the senior editor for the French and German Journals on Politics and Society at Harvard's Center for European Studies. She moved on to a long career as a leader in non-profit communications and publications, including work at the National Alliance of Business, American University, the United Negro College Fund and Africare, from which she retired in 2009. Trudi also dedicated 18 years of service to the Alliance Francaise de Washington as an advocate and board member and twice served as its president. In June 2011, she was honored with a prestigious medal by the Alliance Francaise at the Belgian Embassy in recognition of her extraordinary dedication and efforts to advance French culture in Washington.In 1988, Trudi married her soul mate, Harvey Rishikof, with whom she enjoyed a life of love and laughter while traveling the globe, eating and cooking wonderful food, and appreciating theater, art, music and culture. They moved to Washington, DC in 1993 from Massachusetts, and Trudi loved living in the District. She delighted in her time with their daughters, Milena Nigam and Maja Orekar, sons-in-law, Kamal Nigam and Andy Orekar, three grandchildren, Oscar and Simon Nigam and Cecilia Orekar, her sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and George Melling, extended family and friends.Trudi was a devoted, beloved and beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. She will be missed for her intelligence, sense of humor, aesthetic sense and incredible toasts, but above all for the warmth she brought to all those around her. Her selflessness, kindness and positive energy for life touched all who knew her.Services will be held at a later date.
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Memories and Condolences
for Trudith Rishikof
Sponsored by Harvey Rishikof .
Fanny Hattery
October 6, 2020
Almost a decade on, and Trudi's impression powerfully remains for this then young professional. How I wish I could discuss current events with her. A warm thought to Harvey and her family.
Bud Cole
October 5, 2020
Harvey: still in our hearts. Bud and Cynthia
Bernard Cole
October 5, 2019
Harvey: a great tragedy. As JFK said "life is unfair"; and no more so than in losing Trudi.
--Bud, Cynthia
Nan Orekar
January 8, 2013
Harvey: not a day goes by that we aren't thinking of you and remembering how much Trudi meant to all of us. Love, N & J
Kathy Pizzo
January 6, 2013
Harvey, I was thinking of you today remembering our times together and hoping that you have found some peace in your life. Trudy is watching over you today and everyday!
John Zielinski
January 25, 2012
Harvey - my heart goes out to you. Trudi was a shining light in DC and she will be missed in so many places. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kirstin Moritz
November 25, 2011
I am so saddened by this news. I have many happy memories of Trudi from days at the Center for European Studies. My condolences to Harvey and the rest of her beloved family for the loss of this truly talented and wonderful woman. Kirstin Moritz, Falmouth,MA
Bibbie Withers
November 7, 2011
I grew up with Trudi at Quaker Lake in Brackney, Pennsylvania.
Trudi was a year older, and always far wiser. Even as little girls we all knew that Trudi was our leader.
The early traits of leadership, warmth and wisdom flourished as Trudi grew older.
My deepest sympathy to Harvey, Trudi's daughters, her sister Nancy and to all of her family. God Bless you.
Bibbie Conole Withers
Atlanta, GA and Quaker Lake, PA
ziyana al rawahi
October 27, 2011
I was really sad when I learned about Trudi's tragic death. I worked with her very closely when she was the executive director of the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center in Washington, D.C. I will miss her very much. God bless her soul. Indeed she was very beautiful inside and out. Please, accept my condolonces. May God be with you during this difficult time. Ziyana
Anne C Bader
October 27, 2011
Dear Harvey,
I just heard of your grievous loss today. Please accept our deepest condolences; you and your family are in our prayers.
Sherrie Good
October 27, 2011
Dear family of Trudi, I had the pleasure of working with Trudi when she worked with Africare. Africare is a client of the design firm where I worked at that time, and I was so fortunate to get to work closely with Trudi for several years on various projects. She was wonderful, organized, charming, sharp, engaged and fun. She truly did light up any room or heart she entered. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
Carla Wilson
October 22, 2011
I was truly saddened today to learn of Trudi's passing. She was such a wonderful person and I am happy to have known and worked with her at Africare. My prayers are with the family.
October 21, 2011
Dear Harvey,
I was sad to read the news of Trudi's untimely death. Such a terrible loss for you, your family, and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. I pray that memories of your good times together will ease your heartache.
Nan Balliot, Bristol, RI
October 20, 2011
Dear Harvey,
So sorry to hear of your beloved wife's passing. May your fond memories help you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Linda Vieira
Cheryl Meegan
October 20, 2011
Dear Harvey,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your loved ones for your loss. I remember Trudi as a lovely, gracious and kind-hearted lady. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you through this very difficult time.
Diane Warshawsky
October 19, 2011
Dear Harvey, Milena, and Maja,
I am deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy. I loved Trudi dearly. She was a wonderful friend with many special qualities and I have so many memories of our years together in Massachusetts. But more than anything, I still hear her laughter.
I hope that you can take comfort in knowing how much joy you brought to her.
My love and sincere condolences to you all.
Catherine Fitts
October 19, 2011
Harvey,
My thoughts are with you and your family. Trudi was a special person who always brought life into a room when she entered. Her beautiful life will be remembered and honored by all who surround you.
Paula Leidich
October 18, 2011
The Mount Holyoke College Class of 1968 joins Trudi's family in mourning her loss in heartbreaking circumstances. Trudi was lively as a student and as a loyal alumna. She maintained her ties to the College through the years. The College mattered to her and she matters to us. We hold you all in our hearts.
Pat Solley
October 18, 2011
Harvey, all my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this heart wrenching time.
October 18, 2011
Harvey, I am so very, very sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to you, your family, and Trudi's extensive circle of friends. Nancy Waggner (Boston)
Suzanne Bechamps
October 16, 2011
I had the good fortune to know and work for Trudi during her time at American University. A dozen years later, she is still well remembered and well loved for the positive spirit and leadership she brought to our office, her engaging personality, and her genuine kindness toward all those around her. She was a remarkable, beautiful person in so many ways, and I will miss her dearly.
Alayne Trachewsky
October 15, 2011
Trudi was a wonderful woman who was outstanding in her job at American University. Clearly she loved her family deeply and was loved in return, which gave her a wonderful balance. She was the best boss I ever had.
I am so sorry for your tragic loss.
Irma Sine
October 14, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss, I will never forget my short visits with Trudi, she was such a joy to be around, she had a genuine kindness about her, she always expressed the love for her family and fridnds. I will truly miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kemyta Terry
October 14, 2011
I am so sorry to hear this news. Trudi was a wonderful
Marie-Laure Elliott
October 13, 2011
The first thing that struck me when I met Trudi was how luminous she was. Every person she talked to, every room she was in was lit up by her beautiful smile and her wonderful presence. I remember thinking to myself that I wished I could be as graceful and sophisticated a woman as she was. Spending time with her, I soon found that she was just as beautiful in spirit. I was lucky enough to work with her, and the whole time I couldn’t help being amazed by how kind, generous, and intelligent she was. Trudi was a person I truly looked up to, a role model in my personal and professional lives. But above all, she was a dear friend and I greatly miss her. I have no doubt that her light will shine on in the hearts of all the people who knew her.
Harvey, I cannot tell you how terribly sorry I am. Paul and I keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers and we send you our deepest condolences.
Denise Cummings
October 13, 2011
Trudi's light was so bright, warm and abundant that it touched everyone she came in contact with. I loved her dearly. I enjoyed working with her both at the Partnership and at Africare. She taught me a lot without ever letting on she was teaching at all. To Harvey, Milena and Maja, you are in my thoughts.
Gladys Kamau
October 13, 2011
Ms. Trudi hired me as an intern at Africare. She was so warm and patient with me; often inquiring about my schooling. My prayers go out to her wonderful family that she talked about often. We will all miss her.
Beth Rogers
October 13, 2011
To Harvey, Milena and Maya,
My deepest sympathies. Trudi was an extraordinary woman even before her phenominal professional successes. Meeting her right away freshman year in college, it was clear she was like no other. We had such fun, laughing, studying those endless art history slides, philosophizing and even skateboarding! Though I have not seen her since first and second birthday parties, she has never been out of my thoughts. I can always hear that wonderful laugh of hers. Such a tragedy for you to recover from. I wish you my best.
Rich Levinson
October 12, 2011
Harvey, I was shocked by the news about Trudi and will miss her very much as she was a great friend of Betsy's (who will be in touch when returns from HK) and became a good friend of mine as well. My memories of her are primarily from the "early days" when Milena and Maya were new-born and we would frequently get together with our new-borns: Robbie and Peter. I thought you were a great couple and Trudi seemed like she was truly happy in your life together.
Rich Levinson
Barbara Perry
October 12, 2011
I only ever saw Trudi at the Supreme Court and, indeed, she was supreme. In fact, I thought of her as perfection personified. I remeber the birthday party she gave Harvey there, to which she invited his colleagues. From the cake to the flowers to her stunning outfit, Trudi made the occasion memorable. I thought she was the most beautiful, sparkling, intelligent, charimatic woman I ever met. I especially loved her twinkling eyes when Harvey would be in teasing mode. I've rarely seen a couple so suited to each other's bountiful talents. She even knew just what office gifts to give for Christmas. Seventeen years later, I still arrive at work on time because of my Brookstone bath clock! Supreme Court Fellows' Reunions will be less warm without Trudi's radiance. Harvey, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, dear friend.
Andrew Rishikof
October 12, 2011
Every time we met, Trudi always beamed such a natural and joyful energy. I'm so sorry, Harvey. I wish you sunny days ahead.
Fanny Hattery
October 12, 2011
I was an intern at the Alliance Française when Trudi was President of the Board. She was warm, extremely bright, funny and so ... human! She would always stop by the office to chit chat and inquire about our lives in the warmest, most genuine way. She made a huge impression on me and is an inspiration to young professionals. I, along with many of us, feel extremely lucky to have crossed her path. Trudi really was exceptional and she will be terribly missed. My deepest sympathies to the family.
Merci pour tout Trudi!
October 12, 2011
Harvey, My deepest sympathies friend, so sorry for your lost. Let me know if you need anything. Best, Tom Griff
Brian Rishikof
October 11, 2011
Harvey... My family and I are so profoundly stunned and deeply saddened by this tragedy. Trudi was always so welcoming and generous to us all. Her overwhelming sincerity and easy grace were evident in her every action. We looked forward to each trip to Washington just for the chance to visit and share some time and many laughs together. We will very sorely miss her. Our sympathies and condolences go out to you, Milena, Maja and families.
Much love,
Brian, Lena, Alexandra and Genevieve (Gigi)
Stefan Rishikof
October 11, 2011
Dear Harvey & family...Our condolences to you during this difficult time. Both my mother and I have wonderful memories of Trudi. My mom has especially fond memories of Trudi's help and thoughtfulness each time they met and about the wonderful evening she spent at your home. We are thinking of you during this time of sorrow. Love Mimi & Stefan
Leila Nelson
October 11, 2011
Harvey, we are so very, very sorry and our hearts are with you. Trudi was a kind, loving extraordinary woman. We were blessed to know her. Please know we are here should you and your family need absolutely anything at all. We love you.
Elaine, Bill, Leila and Gregory Nelson
Tammy Hampshire
October 11, 2011
I had the honor of working with Trudi at AU and although it was only for a short time, she made a big impact on my life. She was the classiest lady I have ever met. My deepest sympathy to her family and close friends.
Wendy Beckerman
October 11, 2011
Trudi was such a warm, graceful, and loving person and words cannot express my sorrow for your loss. I especially remember her inviting our whole staff from University Publications to your lovely home for a get-together and sitting in your garden enjoying our time there.
Rebekah Arnold
October 11, 2011
I did not know this dear lady but was passing the place of this tragedy minutes after. I have been praying for the family since that moment. My heartfelt condolences to the family of this beautiful woman who obviously had a life changing impact on so many.
Jonathan Gutoff
October 11, 2011
Harvey,
Please know you have my sympathy on your loss and that my thoughts are with you and your family. May Trudi's memory be a comfort to you.
Jonathan
October 11, 2011
Trudi was indeed a very special person. She will be greatly missed. I was fortunate to have worked with her. I send my heartfelt condolences to her husband Harvey, to her children, and to her extended family.
Paul Beebe
Brad Elmore
October 11, 2011
The University Club family sends it deepest Sympathies to the entire Rishikof family. Words are never enough in times like these, knowing friends are there for you and care for you help one heal. God Bless.
Michelle Fleitz
October 11, 2011
I feel very lucky to have known Trudi from her American University days. She was a kind and amazing woman.
Linda McHugh
October 11, 2011
Harvey,
Trudi hired me at American University and from the moment we first spoke she devoted her thoughts to how to make my experience at AU the best it possibly could be. What a gift Trudi had for doing just that for everyone who came into her world.
The woman you loved was loved as well by so many. My thoughts and prayers will long be with you and your family. My sorrow at this tragedy can't be expressed.
Maria Jackson
October 11, 2011
Trudi was a wonderful person and boss. When she told me she was leaving AU I cried. Although I never met her children I always thought they were pretty lucky because I sometimes wished Trudi was my mother.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
October 11, 2011
Dear Harvey, Milena, and Maja,
This news has taken our breath away. Trudi was the readiest to laugh of any of my friends. That, plus the bottomless and subtle kindness that was her trademark, made her irresistible. Irresistible and indispensable.
We're so very sorry. Beyond sorry. We're crushed.
We send our love and deepest condolences,
The Baltimore Olshans (Shana, Nina, and esp. Matthew)
October 11, 2011
Dear Harvey and Family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Neal & Kate Duckworth
October 11, 2011
A tragic end to an extraordinary life distinguished by energy, love and the nurturance of others. If there is anything to be learned, it is to be mindful to live every day as if it were our last.
October 11, 2011
Dearests Harvey, Milena and Maja and families - There are no words to express the I sorrow I feel for you. I know your wonderful Trudi will be with everyone she knew forever. My love, Susan Spiller
October 11, 2011
Harvey and family,
I share your sorrow and pray for your healing. - Mary Catherine West
Ray Madoff
October 11, 2011
This obituary captures everything we have been thinking and saying about Trudi. Her voice and laughter literally sparkled. She made you feel great just by being in her presence. The love and depth of appreciation and understanding that Harvey and Trudi had for one another was palpable to anyone who spent time with them. I know her light and love will live on in those who had the good fortune to spend time with her.
Mark and Kathy Pizzo
October 11, 2011
Trudi always brought a moment of joy and good feeling everytime we talked with her. May God wrap her with joy and peace in the same way she treated the thousands of people she touched in the same way. God Bless the Rishikof family at a time of this tragic loss.
Bud Cole
October 11, 2011
Harvey,
Just saw this, upon return from Singapore. My entire sympathy to you and family for this terribly shocking tragedy. I only had the privilege of meeting Trudy a couple of times, but she truly lighted up any room she entered.
--Bud
October 11, 2011
Trudi, you will be missed. Betsy and Rich Levinson
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