Gertrude Ellen Fowler, 86, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2008 at her daughter’s home in Sedro Woolley.
She was born November 5, 1921 to Charles and Edith Hooper Payne in the town of Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, England.
Known as Trudie to her family and friends, she never lost her English accent, love of afternoon tea with bone china teacups, and affection for the small sparrows that reminded her so much of her birthplace. She came from the area of England called the Cotswolds, steeped in rich medieval history, home to thatched cottages and the source of the Thames River.
During World War II, she suffered through the frequent bombings by German airplanes. For the rest of her life she was fearful of thunderstorms. After the war, she emigrated with her mother to the United States to join her sister, Dorothy Nelson who had married and settled in Castle Rock, Washington. There she met and married a handsome, dark haired southerner from North Carolina who was also visiting his sister. On August 28, 1948, Trudie married William Marshall Fowler who predeceased her.
In 1957 Trudie and her family moved to Aberdeen in Grays Harbor, Washington where she raised her family. She enjoyed growing gladiolas and knitting. She was the first Teacher’s Aide hired in Grays Harbor and was happiest caring for young children. She was awarded the Golden Acorn, the highest honor given by the PTA of A.J. West elementary school. She was a survivor of the polio epidemic of the early 50’s and of breast cancer.
Trudie lived the last twenty-five years of her life in Sedro Woolley, and was cared for by her daughter Cynthia and granddaughter Nicole. She continued to knit and specialized in the fine handcrafting of baby layettes. A prized possession that she brought with her from England was a very old pattern for a delicate and intricate bonnet, jacket and booties. The booties became her trademark and she made hundreds of them, donating most of them to hospital gift shops and other charities.
Trudie is survived by two daughters, Cynthia Coons of Sedro Woolley and Jennifer Sturm of Hoquiam, their husbands Richard Coons, Jr. and Michael Sturm, granddaughters Nicole Coons, and Rachael Ferguson and great grandsons Adam, Brandon, Jake, Zachary, and Austin, and great granddaughters Shelbie, Shanda and Shayleanne. All three generations were the loves of her life and she always placed their safety and welfare above all else.
A Graveside Inurnment Service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 2:00 pm, at Union Cemetery, 1450 Wicker Road, Sedro Woolley with Pastor Wendy Tingley of the Trinity United Methodist Church officiating. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements and services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.