Rev. Trudy Gosse
June 17, 1937 to August 14, 2023
Obituary
The funeral service for Rev. Trudy Gosse will be livesteamed for those unable to attend.
Please click the following link to view the service:
https://www.facebook.com/HolyInnocentsChurchNL
Rev. Trudy Gosse passed away peacefully at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home on August 14th, 2023 at the age of 86. Trudy is predeceased by her parents, James and Mabel Gosse and her beloved cats, Toby and Matthew.
Leaving to mourn a large circle of relatives, friends, and colleagues. Over the course of her lifetime, Trudy had two full and rewarding careers, first as a teacher, mainly of French and English. In 1984, Trudy became the first female graduate of Queen’s College and served as a priest in the Anglican Church until her official retirement in 1997. She continued to serve the church in various capacities for a number of years thereafter.
Trudy valued her friends and relatives near and far. She was a prolific letter and card writer to her wide network of schoolmates, teachers, former students, parishioners, relatives and friends, some dating back over 70 years.
Receiving mail and phone calls was always appreciated by Trudy. She was particularly grateful to those who continued to stay in touch long after she was able to respond by phone or in writing.
Trudy’s longstanding support and generosity to a wide range of organizations at home in Newfoundland and Labrador, throughout Canada, and internationally, is an indication of her community engagement. It brought her great pleasure and it reflected her intention to make a difference.
Throughout her lifetime, Trudy travelled extensively throughout Canada, Europe and Africa but she equally enjoyed a simple road trip with a picnic by the water.
Over the years, Trudy was treated with such kindness and respect at all the care facilities in which she resided – St. Luke’s Cottages, Winslowe Ridge Retirement Home and most recently St. Patrick’s Mercy Home. Heartfelt thanks are due to her many caregivers over the past three years.
Cremation has taken place. As per Trudy’s request, there will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, please consider donations to Holy Innocents’ Anglican Church, Paradise, NL; the SPCA in St. John’s; or a charity of one’s choice.
A funeral service will be held at Holy Innocents’ Anglican Church, on Saturday, August 19th at 11AM with inurnment to follow at Kenmount Road Anglican Cemetery.
“Until one has loved an animal,
A part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
Schedule
funeral
11:00am, Saturday August 19th
Holy Innocents’ Anglican Church, 297 Paradise Rd, Paradise
Trudy – I will miss you. You inspired me when I did a placement with you in 1991 – from the UK (when the UK didn’t accept women as priests). I still wear the cassock you gave me – and will think of you every time I wear it, as I have done for the last 30+ years. Rest in peace
Dear, beloved “Troodes.” What a joy you’ve been in my life ever since we met in Kasulu, Tanzania as workcampers. You, Marg now of Ontario, and I , and our wonderful reunions. My favorite was in 1999 when you took us all over NL, L’anse aux Meadows, St. Pierre and Miquelon (sp?) and your delightful cousins somewhere in between….and you, always laughing, cracking the best jokes ever. How I miss those Trudy deep, delightful belly laughs right until our last visit with Marg at her place and we were all near or over 80, still laughing like goofy young workcampers.. God gave us laughter, and you must have been first in line as He was passing it out. I miss you so much, Trudy. See you soon, wherever the Lord has prepared a place for us. Rest in peace, dear friend. Lili Sprague Hendrickson
Dear Cousin,
How many fond memories of special family gatherings and events of which you were a part.
I remember stories of your trips to Africa, but did not know how important those trips were to you or to others, til now.
I loved hearing your soprano voice sing the service from the BCP. And of course know and share your love for all the friendly beasts.
Mary Oliver says something like ‘ heaven is not such an unusual place, so many of the faces there are familiar.’
A difficult time for family, and friends to be sure, but take heart, we are all just walking each other home.
love karen
Reverend Gosse was also a much-liked and respected teacher at Bishop Spencer College. I remember well her kindness and encouragement. My condolences to her family; may she rest in peace.
Trudy, Lorna Miles and I became the “3 Musketeers” in Grade XI at St. Michael’s School, because we were not locals. Trudy had come from Nova Scotia, Lorna from Grand Falls, and I from the US. We all entered MUN together. Our friendship endured through the years, although our lives took very different paths. We were fortunate to be able to visit. in locales as varied as Germany, Texas and Newfoundland, and our friendships endured. We wrote and spoke often over the years. I already miss Trudy! My sympathies go out to all who knew and cared about the special person that she was.
by Gladys Collins Associate of SSJD , Rev Trudy Grosse , appointed me leader for the Associates . She was our priest for our Spiritual , Worship time. i send my Sincere Condolences to her family and friends . May she rest n peace
During my studies at Queen’s College I had the privilege of sharing some time with Trudy in the parish of Holy Innocents’ in Paradise. She was certainly a wonderful mentor to me and I credit her for being one who played an important role in setting me on my way in ministry. A place in the other Paradise is surely prepared for her. My condolences to all who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace with her Creator.
I worked opposite Rev. Trudy for many years at the church office in Topsail she was a.n upbeat person always looking on the bright. We shared many happy hours and I know she will surely be missed by all who knew and loved her.
May she rest in peace.
To all who knew and loved Trudy I send my deepest condolences. Trudy was very influential in my step into ordained ministry many years ago. .I give God thanks for her life and ministry May she rest in peace and rise in glory,.
In Memoriam: The Rev. Trudy Gosse
June 17, 1937 – August 14, 2023
Greetings in the Risen Lord!
Today, we remember and thank God for the life and witness of the Reverend Trudy Gosse, a priest in Christ’s Holy Catholic Church. As we reflect upon her remarkable journey as the first female graduate of Queen’s College and an early pioneer in the Ordination of Women, we celebrate her achievements and her immense impact on future generations. Embarking on her educational journey at Queen’s College, she not only challenged gender barriers but also paved the way for countless young women and others aspiring to follow in her footsteps.
Rev. Trudy’s impact extends far beyond her time at Queen’s College. Through her work as an educator and mentor, she inspired countless people to embrace their unique abilities and challenge societal limitations. Her unwavering commitment to equity and inclusivity has fostered a more diverse and equal landscape. She was a Church builder and was instrumental in constructing the Church of the Holy Innocents in Paradise. But her ministry of building relationships among God’s people and helping others know Jesus in their lives is truly her legacy.
As we honour her memory, let us recommit ourselves to carry forward her legacy by continuing to stand against injustice and inequality and for equal opportunities and amplifying the voices of those often ignored and marginalized in the Church and the world.
We thank God for Rev. Trudy’s indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to breaking barriers and building relationships. Her memory and legacy will forever shine brightly as a guiding light for future generations.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen.
In Christ’s love,
+Bishop Samuel: Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador
On behalf of the faculty, staff, and alumni of Rothesay Netherwood School, we pass along our deepest sympathies to Trudy’s family and friends. She will be missed by many in our Netherwood alumni community.
My condolences to you on Trudy’s death. I knew Trudy when I was vice-principal at Paradise Elementary and through CFUW events., such as bowling and dining out groups. As a cat lover myself. I always enjoyed her stories of Matthew, who always had one month to improve his behaviour or find a new home! She was kind and thoughtful and funny.
One of my favourite teachers . You were the best !
Trudy and her parents were our neighbours for many years and for the years she lived alone on Roosevelt Ave .
We kept in touch through her association and mine for many years, at St.Luke’s Homes .
She was such a wonderful lady ,priest and friend . May her family take comfort in her years of ministry and kindness.
God Bless !
To Rev. Gosse’s Family,
Rev. Gosse was known to me as Miss Gosse at Beaconsfield High School. She was my Grade Seven teacher – we were all there the first year the high school opened. I remember her as a patient and caring teacher, always encouraging us to be our best and to do our best. I am sure she continued this throughout her ministry. Rest in Peace Ms. Gosse.