Trudy Calabrese

Gertrude "Trudy" Calabrese, 86, passed away on November 4, 2022. Trudy was born in Hackensack to loving parents Rosalie Mirabito and Joseph Ferro (both deceased). In 1959, she married Michael Calabrese, and together they happily raised four children, Debbie, Frank, Donna, and Michael. For most of their married life, Trudy and Mike raised their family in Bergenfield and Saddle River, in close proximity to their family business, Bergenfield Lighting. In later years, Trudy lived in Brick and Toms River.
Trudy assisted Mike in Bergenfield lighting throughout the years. However, she devoted most of her life to being a loving, supportive wife and dedicated mother to her four children, and in later years an adoring, doting grandmother to her eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Trudy spent so many joyous moments with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, full of love, warmth, and laughter.
Trudy had a kind word for everyone and made friends feel like family and family feel forever cherished. She was the quintessential family matriarch filled with a lifetime of wisdom and was the one all could turn to in times of joy as well as sorrow, in times of abundance as well as need. Trudy thought of others before herself. She never complained, despite the health challenges she faced in her later years. She faced all of life's challenges and losses with ultimate grace, faith, and perseverance. She was generous beyond measure, and always had a smile to share, an ear to listen, and a strong shoulder to lean on.
Surviving are her loving children, daughters Debbie Gallucci (Thomas, deceased) and Donna Douvris (Anthony, deceased) and sons Frank Calabrese (Lisa) and Michael Calabrese; beloved grandchildren Michael Gallucci (Sonia), Thomas Gallucci IV (deceased), JohnCalabrese ( Meghan), Frank Calabrese, Jr., Christopher Calabrese (fiancée Megan), Michelle Douvris (fiancée Sarah), Peter Douvris, Angela Calabrese; cherished great grandchildren Frances Rose, Lucy and Penny Calabrese, and Giorgia and Enzo Gallucci; loving sister Anne Ferro and nephews Bob Kelly
and Anthony Kelly.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, November 7, 2022, from 4-7 PM at Orender Family Home for Funerals, 2643 Old Bridge Road, Manasquan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at 9:30 am at St. Denis Roman Catholic Church, 90 Union Avenue, Manasquan, followed immediately by entombment at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Sea Girt. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that a donation be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, in memory of Trudy. To send condolences to the family please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.net.