Gertrude "Trudy" Seperson's Obituary
The star that was Trudy (Ambinder) Seperson, 86, faded out slowly at home as she had always planned. What do you say about a woman who did the best that she could, but still wished that she could have done more? Trudy strived to do the right thing by her children and the world. She was a smart, beautiful, witty woman who walked a fine line between following societal norms and being true to her heart.
An amazing singer and actress in her younger years, she put all of that aside to raise her family. In another life, she might have lived among the other artists in SoHo during the Sixties to chase her dreams. Instead, she became a teacher, one of the few career options for women at the time, which fueled her desire to become active in the Women's Movement of the Seventies. She hoped that future generations of women would have choices that she did not. She believed the adage that if you educate a woman then you educate a family. So, she went to college, began a career, and then started her family.
Raised in Long Beach, New York, she lived in Kansas, and New York again, before settling in New Hampshire for over thirty years. With the exception of a few years, she always lived a short distance from the ocean so she would be close by when it called to her. She was a role model, earning her M. Ed. while raising four children. She taught at Woodman Park Elementary, became a guidance counselor at Dover High, was involved in Compassionate Friends, served on the NH State Dental Board, lived in England, and enjoyed traveling around the world (but never saw enough of it).
Life was not always easy, but she read Jenny Joseph's "Warning" and looked forward to the day that she could do whatever she pleased. She used to say that she would wear purple tennis shoes, but sadly she never did. She believed that a woman's true freedom came when her children were grown, she was divorced, and the last pet died. So, when that time arrived, she embraced it. She retired and started a solo adventure, moving away from the snow and the place that she felt was her true home, to South Florida.
Trudy enjoyed holding court and reading to children in silly voices. She will be remembered for being kind, generous, loving, and a great friend and neighbor.
As first-generation Americans, her parents would have been proud of all that she accomplished on her own. She was also predeceased by her young son, an infant sister, her ex-husband, and so very many friends. She leaves behind memories with her children, grandchildren, sister, and their families, as well as friends, neighbors, and former students.
She planned for her future with wisdom that even she did not know that she would eventually need. Her last few years were spent at home with assistance, just as she had arranged many years before in case the need arose. These years were difficult, as losing her independence was a challenge, but she tackled it with as much grace as she could muster. She held her head up high and tried to not feel sorry for herself. In the end she was ready to go, because life is for the living, and she was aware that her quality of life was not what she would have liked.
If she could pass on what she knew, it would be that life is short so live it to the fullest, laugh more, Wednesday is tuna casserole night, and wear purple tennis shoes!
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