Gertrude Klemas

Gertrude D. Klemas 1931-2025

Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother

 Gertrude, known affectionately as Trudi, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, at the age of 93, leaving behind a family who will forever cherish her memory. She is survived by her five daughters: Deborah, Lydia (Vern), Mary, Carol, and Krista (David); nine grandchildren:Yara, Anneliese, Joseph, Alina, Hunter, Austen, Christopher, Brooke, and Noah; and six great- grandchildren: Olivia, Remington, Holden, Xander, Tripp and Peyton. Her passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

 Trudi was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1931 to Joseph and Dorothy Kopchinski. As an only child, she enjoyed a large and close-knit extended family and treasured the time spent with her many cousins. She often fondly recalled the days spent fishing with her father on his boat in the Long Island Sound—a memory she carried with her throughout her life.

Trudi graduated from Walton High School in 1948. At the age of 17, she pursued a career in nursing at the Westchester School of Nursing at Grasslands Hospital in Westchester County, New York. Over the three years it took to earn her RN license, she formed lifelong friendships that endured for over fifty years, with her nursing school friends often embarking on traveling adventures together. Trudi worked in the medical field for many years, retiring at the age of 74 in 2005.

 Trudi’s greatest joy in life was being surrounded by her family, particularly her children and grandchildren. She loved playing games, cards, and being playful and silly with her grandkids. The tradition of preparing delicious Polish foods for the holidays was something she took immense pride in, and her family will always remember the warmth and love she brought to their gatherings. As an avid reader throughout her life, Trudi enjoyed all genres of books especially mysteries and often finished a book in just a few sittings.

 In her later years, Trudi embraced the companionship of friends in her retirement community, where she enjoyed playing Bridge and Euchre on many occasions. She was well-liked and deeply admired by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Trudi’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void, but her legacy of love, kindness, and joy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Visitation and Funeral Information

The visitation will be held at St. Michael’s Church in Sharonville, Ohio, on Friday, January 17 from 9:00 to 10:00 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. The burial will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Montgomery, Ohio, immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to JDRF, The Book Bus or St. Michael School in memory of Trudi Klemas 11144 Spinner Ave., Sharonville, OH 45241.

May she rest in peace, knowing she was loved beyond measure.