Trudy Bassemier

Trudy Bassemier was born Gertrude Clara Oswald on May 26, 1929, to Fritz Edwin and Gertrude Ricks Oswald. She was raised in New Orleans, along with her sister, Florence. A resident of River Ridge for 58 years and a devout parishioner of St Matthew the Apostle Church. She passed away on December 3, 2025, peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by prayers, love, and music.

She was married to her husband, John August Bassemier, Jr, "Bubby" for 45 years and shared two children with him, Ann and David. Trudy also raised a niece, Diane, from a young age.

Her younger years were spent at church, school, and with friends, graduating from Dominican High School. She opened the church daily, set up the altar, and prayed the rosary before mass began. Her faith was unwavering, and she exemplified and embodied the adage of a Christian life, not just praying or saying, but doing. She instilled in all her family the love of God and Jesus. She was always there when you needed her, no matter what you needed.

Trudy worked for Sears in the catalog department and enjoyed her years there, often baking for special occasions and making special Christmas ornaments for her staff and her family. Several of her lifelong friends were made here, and they weren't just friends; they were family.

In her leisure time, Trudy loved to cook, sew, and play piano. She was heavily involved with St. Matthew Church, the children at Pineville State School, Angels' Place, Covenant House, St. Joseph Altar, and Howell House.

Trudy loved babies and was overjoyed to hold the little ones. She held many babies in her lifetime, and we are grateful she held us all. Yet, we are saddened to know that there are future babies who will never know her warm embrace and the love she poured into us. We know the future children will have the best guardian angel watching over them, continuing to guide their paths to follow her example.

She leaves behind to carry on her legacy: Daughter Ann Cantrell (Johnny, deceased), Son David Bassemier (Kathy), Grandchildren: Tara Greene (Gary), Allison Gilbert (Charlie), Melissa Bassemier, and Michael Bassemier (Kortney), Great Grandchildren: Kylie Alburtus (Michael), Kameron Marquez, Emma and Cole Bassemier, Tripp, Kayleigh, and Presley Gilbert.

Great Great Grandchildren: Kahiapo Marquez, Gianna Lampo. Her niece Diane Davis, as well as her children: Wayne Childs (Christine) and Annette Driscoll (Mike), their children Casey Claiborne (DJ), Brandy Driscoll (Justin), Emily Childs (Alex), Elizabeth Seitz (Noah), and Casey's son Dominic Claiborne, have been loved and cared for and will also carry on her love. Also survived by niece Rosemary Armbruster and Great niece Jamie Harris (DW).

Preceded in death by nieces, "Little" Trudy Smith and Inez Dalon; nephews, Leonard Smith and Gary Dalon.

The family wishes to send their sincere thanks and gratitude to those who helped take care of her:

Notre Dame Hospice, especially the best nurses: Hannah, Gabby, Evonnie, and Heather. The most caring CNAs: Carissa and Sabona. Her Social worker, Christie. Her chaplains, Tony and Brian, and all the others who came into our home as staff and left as friends.

Holy Ghost Church Sacristan Jo Troiani, who brought Trudy Holy Eucharist every week and allowed her to continue in her faith.

Last but never ever least to our sitters who allowed us to have breaks, go on vacations, and are now part of the family: Janet Olivier, Samantha Martin, and Teka Middleton----you know what you mean to us, and there is no way we could ever repay you for what you have done for us. We love you.

Always hold firmly to the hand of faith, for this will lead you on.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Covenant House, New Orleans, Louisiana, are appreciated.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, starting at 9:00 AM. A Funeral Mass will follow the visitation at 11:00 AM. The burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.