Trudy Carroll

Waltraud Erika Ordelt Carroll, known to all as Trudy, 82, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 18, 2025 after suffering a stroke.

Trudy was born on March 19, 1943, in Spišské Podhradie, Slovakia, to Helene (née Bierbrunner) and Otto Ordelt. At the age of 6, Trudy and her parents and siblings immigrated to the United States via Germany after World War II. Upon their arrival in Philadelphia, PA, Trudy was immediately enrolled in the 1 st grade, where she acclimated to her new surroundings – a new culture and a new language. As a young girl, Trudy learned to sew, a lifelong skill and art that she loved, and which brought her great joy. From designing dresses to creating table linens, Christmas decorations, and costumes - Trudy poured love into every stitch, even when hemming the simplest napkin or placemat. She often gifted her handmade cross stitch and needlepoint items to family and friends.

During high school, Trudy worked at Dairy Queen, serving ice cream. She graduated from high school in 1962 and began work as a secretary for ARA, where she was known for being detail- oriented and conscientious. Throughout her adulthood, Trudy led with quiet care and humble service. She cared for her parents and family, often preparing delicious meals for weekend dinners and assembling large packages of leftovers for loved ones to bring home. Trudy always looked perfectly polished whether hosting or going out. Many people would comment on how she dressed beautifully every single day, no matter the occasion.

She met the love of her life, George F. Carroll, and they married in 1975. They settled in Lansdowne and later Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Trudy and George were married for 22 years before George's passing in 1998. Trudy would often reflect on this time being the happiest in her life.

Trudy's favorite and most important title in her life was mother to Paul. From the moment he was born in 1981, Trudy and George made sure that the three of them did everything together. Trudy received her driver's license in her 40s, just so that she could drive Paul to school every day. She devoted all her time to raising Paul and supporting his interests and dreams. Even while Paul was still young, Trudy encouraged and fostered his passion for music, being present for every band performance, piano recital, and school concert. Prior to Paul's graduation, she received the Mother of the Year Award for her many years of service at Gwynedd Mercy Academy.

After George's passing, Trudy returned to the workforce. In 2010 she retired and moved to Columbia, MD to be near Paul. When Paul met Alexandra in 2011 and they married in 2013, Trudy not only took on a new role as mother-in-law, but made the decision to move to NJ and be near Paul and Alexandra. From day one, she treated Alexandra like she would her own daughter. She was quickly embraced by the entire Altonjy/Venezia family, and Thanksgiving became not only a time of being together, but when everyone enjoyed Trudy's famous homemade apple pie. Quiet by nature, Trudy would sit at family gatherings with a gentle smile, content just to listen, surrounded by love - and always ready with one of her warm, signature hugs.

Trudy will always be remembered for hosting family dinners and for her "treats" that she brought whenever invited somewhere. Her biscotti were legendary, and her December Christmas cookie baking schedule (planned months in advance) was something she looked forward to throughout the year. Christmas decorating, Christmas movies, and all things Christmas made her happy all the time.

While living in NJ, Trudy joined the Panther Valley Craft Group, where she made many friends and enjoyed sharing her love of sewing. She was proud to share how her sewing had contributed to the Craft Group sales, all of which supported local charities.

Known for her quiet kindness, Trudy always stayed out of the spotlight, allowing others to shine. She was happiest when she was listening to Paul play the piano or organ. If you were there too, she was excited to tell you, "that's my son!" with the biggest smile on her face. Truly, this was her greatest joy and greatest pride, being a mom.

Trudy was predeceased by her husband, George F. Carroll, her parents, Helene (née Bierbrunner) and Otto Ordelt, and her three siblings, Otto "Golda" Ordelt, Ingeborg (née Ordelt) Streicher, and Trudy's twin, Manfred "Fred" Ordelt.

Trudy is remembered with great love by her son, Paul J. Carroll, daughter-in-law Alexandra (née Altonjy) Carroll, nieces, nephews, extended and "in-law" family, and close friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mother Seton Regional High School.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 2 - 6 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 21st at 11:30 am at Corpus Christi Parish, 234 Southern Boulevard, Chatham Township, NJ 07928. Private burial will take place on Tuesday in the family plot at St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont, Pa.