Trudy Elizabeth Castlebury

1952 - 2025

Trudy Elizabeth Castlebury

November 19, 1952 - August 3, 2025

Cary, North Carolina - Trudy Elizabeth Castlebury, 72, passed away peacefully at WakeMed Cary Hospital in the late morning hours of August 3, 2025, surrounded by her closest loved ones. She was born in Apex, North Carolina on November 19, 1952 to the late Lewis and Corine Clark. While Trudy lived in multiple states and towns over her lifetime, she always held Apex very dear to her heart. She attended Apex Elementary School, Apex Junior High, and Apex High School, where she graduated in 1971. Trudy completed her high school education as an Honor Student while also being a proud member of the Beta Club, the National Honor Society, and the Marching Band where she cultivated her talents as a majorette which she would continue in college.

Trudy would continue her education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from the year 1971 to 1976 where she earned Bachelor's Degrees in Physical Education and Recreation Administration before earning her Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Following her graduation from UNC Chapel Hill, Trudy began her professional career at Sampson Technical Community College in Clinton, North Carolina where she taught Therapeutic Recreation. Upon her departure from Sampson Tech, Trudy transitioned to Holly Hill Hospital in 1981, where she founded the Adjunctive Therapy Department and served as the Director of Adjunctive Therapy. She would remain at Holly Hill for 15 years before becoming a rehabilitation counselor and case manager for multiple companies until 2003, ending with Brentwood Services.

Trudy always exuded a palpable love of life and her fellow man, always being the first to offer assistance in any way she could without hesitation. This inherent selflessness, mixed with her infectious and abundant sense of humor, made it easy for Trudy to create meaningful and lasting relationships wherever she went, truly able to make friends with any stranger she met. Trudy was known for her joy, tolerance, laughter, love, deep intelligence, and respect for all those who surrounded her. She will be deeply missed but the memories of her beautiful impact on this world will always be remembered and cherished.

In addition to her parents, Trudy was also preceded in death by her brother, Andrew Clark. Trudy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Tessa Castlebury and Alex Goodman of Cary, NC; her former husband with whom she remained best friends through her final days, Frank Castlebury of Apex, NC; her Uncle Larry and Aunt Mildred Hipp of Moncure, NC; her Aunt Elma of Sanford, NC; her cousins; and her beloved kitties, Elma and Millie.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the care team at WakeMed Cary Hospital in Cary, North Carolina who took such thorough and great care of Trudy when she needed it most. The doctors, nurses, and staff made all the difference in keeping her positive and comfortable which was invaluable.

A visitation will be held in Trudy's remembrance at Apex Funeral Home on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.