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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Girtrude Cook

Girtrude E. “Trudy” Cook died peacefully at home on May 13, 2022 shortly after celebrating her 97th birthday. Trudy was a Wilmington native and graduated from P.S. du Pont High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Wilson College and taught at Warner School.

Trudy was a long-time member of the Cathedral Church of St. John where she served on the vestry and was the first female senior warden. For the last 25 years, Trudy was an active member of Christ Church Christiana Hundred where she was a regular attendee of bible study and the 8:00 a.m. Sunday service.

After seeing her youngest child off to college, Trudy re-entered the work force as a guide at Winterthur Museum where she worked for nearly 40 years. She enjoyed the guides’ comradery and the intellectual stimulation of preparation for special subject tours on topics such as Chinese export porcelain.

Trudy volunteered her time and talents to the Junior Board by managing the former Memorial Hospital coffee shop and served as annual chairperson of Wilmington Garden Day. Additionally, she was an avid contract bridge player, competing well into her 90s

Trudy was predeceased by her eldest son, Scott E. Downing, and by husbands Donald M. Dietz and Edward T. Cook. She is survived by three children, Bruce E. Downing, Vanderlyn Downing-Webster, and James E. Downing, nine grandchildren, fourteen grandchildren, and her partner, Lyle Wallig.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at Christ Church Christiana Hundred. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to one of the many charities Trudy supported, such as AIDS Delaware at www.aidsdelaware.org/donate or the Cathedral Choir School of Delaware at www.choirschoolofdelaware.org/give/donate/.

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Funeral Services

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at Christ Church Christiana Hundred

Condolences

    BARBARA HIGGINS writes,
    I was saddened to learn of Trudy's passing and want to express my sympathy to her family. Trudy and I shared the same birthday, and we played contract bridge together for some time. Her obituary photo totally captures the bright and positive person she was.
    05/27/2022 10:10 am
    Laury and Ed Kusner lit a candle and writes,
    We were very saddened to hear of Trudy's passing. She was a remarkable person and we were so lucky to be back door neighbors for many years in Sharpley. We remember her kind and caring personality. She had many sincere volunteer vocations. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Sincerely, Laury & Ed Kusner
    05/27/2022 11:07 am
    Irene, Rich & Tamara lit a candle and writes,
    We are so deeply sorry to hear of Trudy's passing. She was a dear neighbor of my mother Tamara's at Country House, and our first meeting upon Trudy's move there will stand out as a treasured memory. We will miss her quick wit and sense of style, among many of her admirable attributes. Prayers for you all at this time. Irene, Rich & Tamara
    05/30/2022 11:33 pm
    Phyllis Adams writes,
    The members of the Junior Board of Christiana Care extend their deepest sympathy to the family of Trudy Cook. Trudy was an active and valued member for many years. Her leadership in many areas was invaluable to our growth as an organization, and we are grateful for her many years of service. A donation in her memory will be made to our Memorial Fund. This fund is used to support various projects throughout ChristianaCare. We wish you all peace and the comfort of warm memories. Phyllis Adams For the Junior Board of Christiana Care
    05/31/2022 09:32 am
    Jean Raleigh writes,
    Trudy was a valued guide at Winterthur for many years. We shared some wonderful moments working at that beautiful place! I will miss her smile and warmth! Jean Raleigh
    06/03/2022 07:40 am
    Renee Cammile
    06/04/2022 09:15 am
    Renee Cammile
    06/04/2022 09:17 am
    Renee Cammile writes,
    I was Saddened to learn of her Passing. She was a very Beautiful Sweet lady. I would engage in conversation with her at Country House. She would come to my Security Desk and Always ask me how was my Day.
    06/04/2022 09:23 am

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