Warwick woman Trudie will be remembered for her kindness and commitment

Trudie Holland of Warwick died aged 83 recently and a service to celebrate her life will be held at St Mary’s church in the town on Wednesday at 2pm.

Trudie, better known as Nora in her work and community life, was born in Exhall near Coventry on October 9 1931.

She was the eldest of three children and lived a happy childhood in the parish and at Keresley nearby.

But at the age of just three-and-a-half she was hit by a furniture van and spent six months in hospital.

Having had to shelter under a table when Coventry was destroyed by German bombers in November 14 and 15 1940, Trudie was evacuated to Norton Lindsey and spent the rest of the Second World War there.

In 1947, the family moved to Jury Street in Warwick and at the age of 17 Trudie got a job as junior clerk in Warwickshire County Council’s architect’s department earning £96 per year.

She later gained a more senior role at the Education Department and remained close to education ever since.

She was also was a keen sportswoman who captained the Warwickshire County Council netball team in the early 1960s and won the council’s annual tennis ladies singles tournament at least twice.

Trudie met her husband Trevor and they married in December 1969.

Their son Dave was born in 1973 and shortly after they moved to St Paul’s Terrace near the racecourse.

Goldie the Labrador joined the family and Trudie enjoyed walks on the racecourse with a range of friends including other ‘Mums’ from Westgate.

Trudie valued her independence and returned to work for the education office in the early 1980s until her retirement in 1996.

After Trevor’s death, Trudie took many trips abroad with her sister Hazel including Italy, the Rhine, the Holy Lands and an annual trip to Cyprus.

Throughout her life Trudie demonstrated boundless energy and volunteered tirelessly for the Warwick community.

She was a member of the Red Cross, taught cookery at Westgate primary school, was a committed worker for the Conservative party and became a town councillor and a trustee of three Warwick charities. She was also a committed school governor of 25 years who was simultaneously chairman of the governors at Westgate and chair of personnel and discipline committees at Aylesford.

In her spare time she served tea in the crypt of St Mary’s, played crib, and called bingo for a number of friends at the Lammas Club.

Family was always important to Trudie and she was a loved member of both the Chandley and Holland families.

Trudie was immensely proud of Dave – a fact that has been endorsed in many cards and letters received since her death.

She was also very proud of her daughter-in-law Emma and her grandchildren.

She took immense enjoyment from their visits every week and Christmas was a particularly special time, spent with the family. Trudie also enjoyed visits to sisters-in-law Kay and Rome and their families for Sunday tea.

During her last few years, Trudie found it difficult to get around and she was very grateful to Kay who visited daily and looked after her selflessly.

As her mobility waned, Trudie spent the last few months of her life at the Alveston Leys care home. She was well looked after by all the staff.

Her family have said: “Trudie will be remembered as a loyal, committed, brave, supportive, friendly and kind lady who loved her family and worked exceptionally hard for her schools and community.”