Gertrude Ellen Goldman was born in 1944 to Hubert and Kathleen (Wagner) Goldman and grew up in West Haven, Connecticut.  She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Hamden in June of 1962 and entered the congregation of the Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk in September of 1963.  She first professed her vows in 1966 at the convent in Blue Point in a Mass presided by Bishop Walter Kellenberg.  

While still a novice, Sr. Gertrude of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, affectionately known as Sr. Trudy, earned a degree in history – with honors distinction - from St. John’s University.  She would later go on to earn her master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State College.

Following her final profession of vows, Sr. Trudy entered a ministry of education that would span decades.  She taught and served as principal at her hometown parish school of Our Lady of Victory (West Haven, CT), and at Our Lady Star of the Sea (Stamford, CT).  She was also the principal of St. Joseph School (Meriden, CT) before working in the Education Office of the Diocese of Hartford.

Following her retirement from education, Sr. Trudy continued her ministry through pastoral care and as a member of the leadership team for the congregation.   She returned to West Haven in 2012, where she generously shared her time and talent while serving in various parish ministries.

Sr. Trudy was born into eternal life on November 9^th, 2024.  At the time of her death, she had been an Ursuline Sister for 61 years.

Visitation will be at St. John Vianney Church (West Haven, CT) on Monday, November 18^th from 9:30am-10:45am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am.   Sr. Trudy will be buried at Beaverdale Cemetery in New Haven.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk by visiting www.tildonkursuline.org.