Gertrude "Trudy" Donnelly

1924 - 2022

Gertrude "Trudy" (Luerken) Donnelly, recently of Madonna Manor in North Attleboro, died after a period of declining health on May 26, 2022. She was 97. Born in Stolberg, Germany, in 1924, she immigrated to America in 1948 to follow her fiancé, Everett Donnelly, whom she had met when he served in the Rhineland at the end of World War II as a member of the U.S. Army's Military Police Corps.

Trudy arrived in America unable to speak English, but soon adapted to her new country and was proud to be a naturalized American. She never missed an opportunity to exercise her right to vote as an American citizen. She loved Attleboro, a community in which she immersed herself for the rest of her life. A homemaker, she was devoted to her husband and children Dennis and Helene as well as her grandchildren Christel and Michael. For more than 50 years, she lived at 90 Deanville Road and it was a happy, joyous home for her and all who knew her. On her street, she was known as a kind and good neighbor. Affable, she had an active social life and she especially enjoyed her outings and lunches with long-time friends Erna Sacchetti and Doris Mahon.

With talented green thumbs, she made her garden flourish with flowers and vegetables. Expert at knitting and crocheting, she created afghans and scarves in a myriad of colors that she shared with family and friends. Strong in her Catholic faith, she worshiped at St. John's the Evangelist Church in Attleboro. She prayed the Rosary every morning and enjoyed visiting La Sallette for services or just to walk the grounds in peaceful meditation. Blessed with a beautiful voice, she sang in St. John's Church choir for 30 years.

Trudy was predeceased by her husband, Everett, and her son, Dennis. She is survived by her daughter, Helene, grandchildren, Christel Donnelly and Michael Donnelly, her daughter-in-law, Joan Donnelly, and son-in-law, Martin McGovern.

In her final years, she resided at Madonna Manor in North Attleboro where she received care, compassion and kindness from the wonderful staff. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Madonna Manor, 85 N. Washington, St., N. Attleboro, MA 02760.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 from 9-10:30 AM at Duffy-Poule Funeral Home, 20 Peck Street, Attleboro. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, 133 North Main Street, Attleboro. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery, 165 West Street, Attleboro.

To send Trudy's loved ones a message of condolence or remembrance, please visit www.Duffy-Poule.com.