Obituary of Trudy Fordyce

April 24, 1926 - January 3, 2024

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, and great -grandmother, Trudy Marie Fordyce, on January 3, 2024.  She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.

Mom was born in Winnipeg, MB to Adolf and Lydia Seifert. She was raised by her mother along with her three brothers, Harold, Arnold, and Willis. During World War II she tragically lost both Arnold and Harold and mourned their loss throughout her lifetime. She lost her beloved mother in 1967, and her brother Willis in 2008. 

Mom grew up with lots of lifelong friends she met through Church and School.  As a young adult she and her friends spent time going to dances every Saturday night, either in Winnipeg, MB or riding the train to Grand Beach, MB to take in the fun at the Grand Beach Dance Hall.  Another favourite “hangout” was Winnipeg’s Salisbury House, and it was there, in 1946, she met the love of her life, Gordon.  From thereon they were never apart.  At that time, Gordon played football for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and spent most of the year of their courtship recovering from a broken leg.  In September 1947 they married and their great adventure began in earnest.

Trudy and Gordon lived in Winnipeg MB for three years where Susan was born, then moved on to Dauphin, MB where they welcomed Cindy, and then relocated to Swift Current, SK where David joined the family. In 1962 they continued their journey west and settled in Calgary, AB. For many years they travelled to their cottage at Grand Beach, MB to spend the summer and time with all their “beach” family.

Life for Mom was fulfilling with her family at the centre of it all. She loved being a “stay-at-home mom” and as her children grew up, she took on part-time jobs at Birks and Sears. She loved to cook and entertain for both family and friends; she was a great hostess. She was well-known for her fried chicken (dubbed “Trudy’s Tasty Treat”), but her favourite food was corn on the cob.  We all have great memories of her being able to out-eat all her family when it came to her corn.

Mom was an artist at heart, and when she took up painting later in life, she excelled at it. Her eye for beautiful interior decorating and stylish clothing showed off this artistic side even more. She was a member of several bridge clubs and enjoyed playing any kind of card game. Hockey and football were her favourite sports to watch; she avidly supported both her children and grandchildren in their many sporting events. She also took part in Aquacize for over 25 years which she swore was the key to her longevity! Mom’s other passion was politics; discussing current affairs gave her great pleasure. She loved to travel and with dad explored many places in both North America and Europe. Their favourite locale was spending winters in Arizona, USA as snowbirds. 

Mom and Dad were founding members of the Anglican Church of St. Laurence in Calgary, AB where mom was very active with Altar Guild and Craft group.  She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels and at Rockyview Hospital for many years. She was a member of the Daughters of the Nile (an affiliate group of the Al Azhar Shrine Temple where dad was a member) as well as the Gyrette Club of Calgary.

In 2004, Mom lost her soulmate Gordon. She managed her grief with the immense dignity she always portrayed and carried on with an active life supported by family and her many friends. In 2007 she moved to The Manor Village in Garrison Woods where she met her second husband, Allan Mogridge. They married in 2009 and lived very happily until Allan’s passing in 2021. Mom then moved to Staywell Manor where she lived until her passing.

We thank all those at Staywell Manor who cared for mom, especially Dr. Mike Geoghegan who was not only her physician but her confidante, and friend, as she navigated the ups and downs of her medical journey.  We also thank the staff of Southwood Hospice for their care and comfort of Mom in her last days. We especially thank Dr. Simon Bryant. We cannot find enough words to express our gratitude for his caring and compassion in guiding us through Mom’s final hours.

Trudy is survived by her daughters Susan Fordyce (Butch Cooper) and Cindy Diduck (Dan), her son David Fordyce (Alison Carter), her grandchildren Jeff Diduck (Angela), Rob Diduck (Alex Geddes), and Jordan Chambers (Mark), and five great-grandchildren, Clark, Cecilia, and  Abigail Diduck, and Brett and Eric Chambers, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mom, we will remember your love of life, your quick wit and sense of humour, and the dignity with which you always carried yourself.  Rest in peace.  We will miss you, always!

A Celebration of Life for Trudy will be held at a future date.  If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to a charity of choice.

In living memory of Trudy Marie Fordyce, a tree will be planted in the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holoway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.