Trudy Heinzer

Trudy Heinzer, a woman of enduring faith and devotion to her family, went to be with Jesus on March 8, 2026, at the age of 95. She passed peacefully while surrounded by the love of her family. Trudy was born on December 23, 1930, in Oakland, California, to Charles Tjeert and Elna Marie Sappema (née Rocca). Whether in her family, church, or community, Trudy had a lifelong habit of stepping in where help was needed and leaving things better than she found them. Trudy was also an avid student of history. Her love of learning and preservation of the past led her to serve on the committee that helped bring the Reagan Library to life, reflecting her belief that the stories and lessons of history should be preserved for future generations. On June 7, 1952, she married Robert Alexander Heinzer, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in faith, commitment, and family. Her life journey took her to many parts of the country—including New Jersey, Atlanta, New York, Washington D.C., New Orleans, and Los Angeles—before she ultimately settled in Thousand Oaks, California, where she lived for more than forty years. Trudy’s life experiences shaped a lifelong appreciation for people and relationships and a quiet conviction that life is best lived through kindness, integrity, and service to others.She is survived by her son, Mark Heinzer and his wife Deborah Heinzer; her grandchildren Alysha Bergh and husband Matt Bergh, Rachel Hayes and husband Justice Hayes, and Anthony Heinzer; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert A. Heinzer; her daughters, Carolyn Heinzer and Ann Heinzer; and her sisters, Jean-Marie Spoelman and her husband Ray Spoelman, and Barbara Foote and her husband Bill Foote. Those who knew Trudy remember her as a woman whose life reflected her faith in Christ. Her steady love for her family and her quiet strength touched the lives of many. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished and the faith she carried throughout her life. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered!