ROSS, Trudy Diane (nee Flumerfelt)

March 1, 1943 – March 9, 2019

A woman whose smile and joyful presence could fill a room bid the world a reluctant yet gracious farewell on Saturday, March 9, 2019 in Cochrane after a long battle with cancer.  Trudy is a third generation Calgarian and was the great granddaughter of the first tailor posted with the Hudson Bay Company trading post established in 1897.  She was a musician through and through; a singer who gifted the world with her voice to her very last breaths.  She attained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Mount Allison University where she won the coveted Rosebowl Trophy in singing, beating the legendary Canadian musical icon, Anne Murray.  Trudy sang with the Calgary Philarmonic Orchestra and performed at the Calgary Jubilee Auditorium in various performance lead roles such as “Anna” in “The King and I”.  Her artistic flair was not limited to her singing as she was a highly skilled cross-stitch artist, crossword master and business administrator, holding various prestigious roles within the Music Department and with the Senate at the University of Calgary.  After retiring, she continued giving her time in the world of music as she became the Manager of the Calgary Youth Orchestra as well as sitting on a multitude of boards and committees.  She was always poised to help where she could.  Consistently generous and gracious herself, she appreciated the care, compassion and kindness that she received from her physicians, her palliative home care team in Cochrane and the staff and residents of Big Hill Lodge in Cochrane in her last days.  The family celebrates Trudy’s life by remembering her smile, grace, resilience, determination, compassion, artistry and love.  She is survived by her brothers Gordon and Cathy Flumerfelt (Edmonton), and Donald and Julia Flumerfelt (Edmonton).  She will be dearly missed by her children, Cherie Copithorne-Barnes and Tim Barnes (Jumping Pound), Kathy and Shane Homer (Jumping Pound), Michelle Copithorne and Dr. Carl Adrian (Cochrane), Ryan and Carolyn Copithorne (Jumping Pound), and her step-son, Michael Ross (Calgary).  Trudy was loved by all of her seven grandchildren, Joshua and Courtney Barnes, Stephanie, Matthew and Brooke Spencer, and Alexander and Benjamin Adrian as well as several nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Trudy’s Life will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church (128 – 1 Street E. Cochrane, AB) on Friday, March 29, 2019 at 2:00 pm with Rev. Ray Goodship officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wellspring Calgary (www.wellspringcalgary.ca)


View the Photo Tribute played at Trudy’s memorial service.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochrane Country Funeral Home, Florence (Flo) Simpson, Funeral Director. Ph: 403-932-1039

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  1. On 13/03/2019 at 11:22 am Sherry Homer Said:

    My thoughts and prayers are with you as I remember the times I was in the presence of this wonderful sparkly personality. What a legacy!

  2. On 13/03/2019 at 9:35 pm Lorraine and Dave Robinson Said:

    This is a lovely, loving tribute to your mom, such a special and accomplished woman! Our hearts go out to you in sympathy, and we pray that you will feel God’s peace and comfort in the days ahead. Dave and Lorraine

  3. On 14/03/2019 at 6:29 am Lois Ritz Said:

    When I think of your mom, I think the first thing that comes to mind is her big smile and warm acceptance. What a gracious woman. Thank you for sharing this amazing history of her precious life.

  4. On 14/03/2019 at 7:19 am Roy and Judy copithorne Said:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this vibrant woman. Trudy was always the same no matter when you met her. Happy to see you, happy to catch up with you about your family. Trudy had a family wedding shower for Judy and I and it has always meant a lot to me and said a lot about her kindness. She will be missed by her family and all that knew her.This obituary is a great tribute to her. Love to you all. Roy and Judy copithorne

  5. On 14/03/2019 at 5:06 pm Patti Morris Said:

    Trudy was an exceptional, accomplished, beautiful (in every way), grace-filled woman who was enormously proud of her family. I am grateful for the privilege of knowing her, hearing her sing, and being in her presence. Sending my heartfelt condolences to her loving family.

  6. On 15/03/2019 at 5:01 am Elaine MacDonald Said:

    I am grateful to have known this amazing woman. She was my “ go to “ person when I needed a compassionate ear. She will be missed. Elaine MacDonald

  7. On 15/03/2019 at 3:36 pm Lynda Young Said:

    My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to all of Trudy’s loving family. She was so very proud of each and every one of you! I will miss the beautiful smile, sparkling blue eyes and shared conversations with my dear friend as will anyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a very special lady in so many ways.

  8. On 15/03/2019 at 4:18 pm Vic and Mairead Lavigne Said:

    Our sincere condolences to all of Trudy’s family. She sounds like an incredible lady. Friends of Gord and Cathy Flumerfelt.
    Vic and Mairead Lavigne

  9. On 15/03/2019 at 4:37 pm Candace Said:

    “Gracious” – the perfect way to describe Trudy.

    Despite all the medical matters that went on – behind the scenes to many of us – Trudy always appeared with that incredible smile of hers, hair groomed, makeup elegantly applied and dressed well with a touch of sparkle and bling.

    Trudy, I miss you. I am so grateful that I knew you.

  10. On 15/03/2019 at 4:49 pm Bobbi Said:

    I was blessed to know Trudy. She is an inspiration that i will forever hold in my heart.

  11. On 15/03/2019 at 5:07 pm Paul Said:

    I Only knewTrudy but a little over 2 years.
    It certainly didn’t take long to realize she was someone who radiated a warmth,that infectious smile and a heart of gold
    A wonderful friend, who will be missed dearly.
    Condolences to the family

  12. On 15/03/2019 at 7:32 pm Geoff & Joyce Frost Said:

    Trudy sounded like a truly amazing lady, with an incredible strength to go through her battle with cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and may they feel Gods comfort in the days ahead. Friends of Ryan & Carolyn.

  13. On 15/03/2019 at 8:45 pm Patti Fisher Said:

    I know I speak for many when I say that our friend Trudy was and always will be an inspiration to us. She was so grateful to have had the last couple of years with her family. Thank you for sharing her with us. May Creator hold you in His loving hands.

  14. On 15/03/2019 at 9:50 pm Art Koop Said:

    When I met Trudy at the University of Calgary on occasion, she was always friendly and gracious, and her first instinct was to support students in meeting their goals. I can only imagine how greatly she will be missed.

  15. On 16/03/2019 at 4:33 am Candy Koelle Said:

    ThThank you Trudy, welcoming us with an open heart friendly smile and dancing eyes. Know that the love you showed for family will always be appreciated.and beyond

  16. On 17/03/2019 at 8:09 am Ed Strickland Said:

    I hadn’t heard the name Flumerfelt since I attended Mt. A from ‘63-‘66 where I knew Trudy’s brother Gord. Trudy was quite obviously an amazing person and leaves an awesome legacy. Sincerest condolences to Gord for your loss and to all of Trudy’s family and friends. Ed Strickland (Calgary)

  17. On 18/03/2019 at 2:54 pm Pauline Edge Said:

    Trudy was a lovely and gracious lady. I still remember her wonderful performance in ‘ The King and I’. My sincere sympathy to the family.

  18. On 19/03/2019 at 7:22 am Rob and Val Thompson Said:

    Trudy was such a hard working helpful friend. Many fond memories of working together at Mt. A and later being a gracious hostess at the Jumping Pound Val and Rob Thompson

  19. On 21/03/2019 at 11:15 am M.Gayle Dionne Said:

    I was so lucky to meet Trudy for such a short time at the Big Hill Lodge. Trudy had such a friendly, positive personality. Trudy talked about how her children treated her so well.
    Trudy always tried to make people feel better, even when she didn’t feel well. I miss her smiles. My thoughts are with her family. Gayle Dionne

  20. On 22/03/2019 at 4:18 pm a bridge partner Said:

    Trudy loved her bridge, and my husband and I had the joy of being her partner, and her opponent for several years. Tuesdays and Thursdays were bridge days. I will always remember her musical call “trick with a 2”! We extend our condolences to her family.

  21. On 30/03/2019 at 12:13 am Marianne van Vlimmeren Said:

    Condoleances to you all, keep her in your heart, as there she will life on for another lifetime.