Howard, Truda Laurie

February 26, 1955 - January 13, 2025

The family of Truda (Trudy) Laurie Howard are deeply saddened to announce her passing on January 13th, 2025, in her 70th year.

She was the loving wife for 49 years of John William Howard, and a very proud mother of 4 children, Sarah, Emily and her partner Don McArthur, Gordon and his partner Alexis Perrin, and Gregory.

Truda was predeceased by her mother Ruth (nee Blank) Plumer (1988), father William Edward Plumer (2018),  and stepmother Jeannette  Plumer (2011), brothers in laws John Peters (1984), Ernie Matschke (2017) and Nephew Jamie Peters (2024).

Truda was the second youngest of the Plumer family, she will be missed by her sisters Lynne Matschke, and Kristen Peters, of Port Rowan, Lee Normet (Tom) of Meaford, Betty Paton (Chris) of St. Catharines, and brother Albe Plumer of Victoria BC. Truda will also be missed by her 1 niece, 6 nephews and several great-nieces and nephews.

Truda was involved in Church activities from a young age, singing in the youth choir and eventually teaching Sunday School at St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was there that she met and eventually married her husband John. Truda always tended to jump in with both feet and became an extremely active member of the community. In Hamilton, where she lived with her family for 20 years she spearheaded the formation of a parents group that provided a breakfast program at Prince of Wales Public School, an inner city school where she also served on a committee which developed a toy lending library.  Truda promoted the formation of a Cabaret singing group made up of members of the choir of The Church of St. Peter, Hamilton, to which she and the rest of her family belonged. She sewed costumes and designed and built sets for the Annual Dinner Cabaret, a major fundraiser for the parish. When daughter Emily joined the CFL Hamilton Tiger Cat Pep Band, and the band needed someone to play the cymbals Truda stepped up to take on the task. Moving to Meaford in 2007, Truda quickly became involved. She was always an advocate for accessibility in the community, but after suffering a stroke following a kidney transplant in 2015 she served as a proud member of the Municipality of Meaford Accessibility Committee, she helped organize the monthly Community Dinners at Christ Church Meaford for a number of years, raising funds for different charities in Meaford, Collingwood and Owen Sound. Truda was the cheerful face taking orders when she was able to volunteer for the weekly Monday morning Community Breakfast program. Truda, following in her father’s footsteps, proudly served as Warden at Christ Church for 5 years. She enjoyed organizing the annual Robbie Burns and Irish Stew suppers and was pivotal in organizing many other community and Church events. She was an avid supporter of Meaford area churches’ ecumenical World Day of Prayer. She raised funds for various charities outside of the church whenever possible.

Truda enjoyed sewing & and was an accomplished seamstress, tailoring for herself, her children and anyone who asked. Camping for most of her married life in tents she was pleased to move up to the small secondhand RPod camper trailer she and her husband purchased in 2022. Cooking & baking from a young age she proudly passed along that skill to her daughters and sons. Truda was the greatest cheerleader for her favourite football team, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but most of all her family was her favourite choice of people to cheer on, whether it be when her kids were growing up in sports or other school activities or when they got older and succeeded in work and careers. Truda often remarked that her kids had a knack for finding those who needed a friend the most. They came by it honestly, as Truda herself never allowed her own struggles to prevent her from offering support to someone in need.

The Howard family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, personal service workers, specialists, x-ray technicians, cleaning staff, emergency services personnel and administrative staff of Brightshores Health System – Meaford, Owen Sound and Markdale for the excellent care they provided during Truda’s multiple visits over the years.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a visitation at the Ferguson Funeral Home, Meaford from 5 until 8 o’clock on Friday, January 17, 2025.

A funeral service celebrating Truda’s life will be conducted at the Christ Church Anglican in Meaford on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 1 o’clock, with a reception following in the Galleries at the Meaford Hall.

Donations in Memory of Truda are recommended for; Christ Church Anglican-Meaford, Meaford Hospital Foundation, Georgian Triangle Humane Society or a charitable organization of your choice, which may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON   N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted.   www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca

Details

Friends and family are welcome to attend a visitation at the Ferguson Funeral Home, Meaford from 5 until 8 o’clock on Friday, January 17, 2025.

A funeral service celebrating Truda's life will be conducted at the Christ Church Anglican in Meaford on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 1 o’clock, with a reception following in the Galleries at the Meaford Hall.

Make a donation in memory of Truda Laurie Howard

Donations: Christ Church Anglican-Meaford, Meaford Hospital Foundation, Georgian Triangle Humane Society or a charitable organization of your choice
Donate with the following link(s)
https://mhfoundation.ca/donate/
https://gths.ca/donatenow/
https://christchurchanglican.ca/pages/give
Donate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home


Memories & Messages of condolence

  1. Wes Sparling
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    We send our most sincere condolences to John, Sarah, Emily, Gordon and Greg at this time of Truda’s passing. She was always ready to lend a helping hand and her family and friends will have many fond memories of her endeavours. She will be remembered by many and never forgotten.

    Wes and Fionnuala

    Reply
  2. Carol Kollen
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    John, Greg and Sarah my sincere condolences to you and your family. Truda was always positive and great support to many. Cherish your memories and talk about her as I feel this helps. Sorry I am away this weekend but you will all be in my prayers. Carol Kollen

    Reply
  3. Peter and Gayle McDonald
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    John, we were so sad to hear of Truda ‘s passing. I’m sure you will all miss her. Especially Sarah. Prayers for your family

    Reply
  4. Mark Hillis
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    Dear John and Family,

    Michele and I were deeply saddened to hear of Truda’s passing. She was a truly beautiful soul, whose warm personality and loving nature left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

    As a devoted wife and a loving mother, Truda’s legacy shines brightly through the love and care she poured into her family. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.

    Mark & Michele Hillis

    Reply
  5. Colleen and Jim Williams
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    We are so sorry to hear of your loss John.

    Reply
  6. Doreen Isaac
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    John, Sarah and all the family,
    my condolences on Truda’s passing. She worked so hard for the church and made everybody feel welcome. Truda was one of the first people at the church to draw me in to the community. Although she had medical issues to deal with, she was always smiling, positive and ready to listen to others worries.
    She will be deeply missed by all of us at Christ Church.

    Reply
    1. Barb Loranger
      Friday, January 24, 2025

      I only just heard of Truda’s passing In spite of her own challenges she was a cheerful
      and devoted friend mother and wife
      She will be missed

      Reply
      1. Susan BUXTON
        Tuesday, January 28, 2025

        Barb L’Orange just told me about Trudas passing. I’m on my way home from a month in Australia so hadn’t heard. The Howard family were close friends and neighbours when I lived in Meaford and I’m so sorry to hear of their loss.

        Reply
  7. David Skelly
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    John and family I am saddened to hear the news of the loss of Trudy. As a former coworker of John and a friend for many years I have followed the many health issues that Trudy has dealt with. An amazing trooper to face those many illnesses . Take comfort in knowing that your support was instrumental in her being able to battle sickness for so long ! I know you have wonderful memories to make her loss more bearable. My thoughts and prayers are with your family !

    Reply
    1. Joan Pilkington
      Wednesday, January 15, 2025

      My deepest condolences to John and all the family in the passing of a dear wife and mother, there will be a huge void in your lives, time heals but doesn’t take the pain away, you are a very close family and sharing all the wonderful memories will be healing. I enjoyed meeting Trudy several years ago at our annual summer get together with the ‘Metro’ gang.
      Thinking about you all.
      Sincerely Joan

      Reply
  8. Mark Procunier
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    Offering my sincere condolences to my good friend John, and the entire Howard extended family.
    Truda clearly contributed to so many others over her life despite health challenges over the years, as she and John were life partners that anyone who knew them admired so much.
    She will be remembered by her family and so many others for her never-ending service to their happiness and success.

    Reply
  9. Maureen Bell
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    John my sincere condolences to you and your family. Truda was a very special, kind and caring person who was always there to lend a helping hand. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
    Maureen Bell

    Reply
  10. Doris Lajoie
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    My sincere condolences to all the family members, Truda was a large part of the community and will be missed.

    Reply
  11. Marilyn Harvey. ( Mert )
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    I’m so very sorry to hear this. My condolences to the family and friend Trudy was a great lady. We will all miss her. I always love picking her and Sarah up and taking them to places. Love you all Mert

    Reply
  12. Chris Renzella
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    It was evident that Truda touched a great many lives. She was a wonderful person and even from my first time meeting her I could tell that she was a very compassionate person. I may not have known her as well as everyone but it was an honor to have had her in my life for the times I was able to spend with her. Sending my deepest condolences to the entire family. Take solace in the good memories and let that be a shining light for you.

    Reply
  13. Lorrie Biggart
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    John I am so sorry to hear about Truda’s passing. My condolences to you and your family.

    Reply
  14. Leo Ostner
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    John, our deepest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time.

    Reply
  15. Henry Reinders
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    John, Sarah and the rest of the Howard family – the news of Truda’s passing struck me hard and I can’t begin to imagine how you are feeling. I knew her as a kind, considerate, loving person and marvelled at how she handled her day to day struggles. She truly was one of a kind and I know you will have many beautiful memories to hang on to. Trust in your faith. I pray that God will bring you through this difficult time and give you peace knowing that she is now with Him. May you find comfort with each other and with Him.

    Reply
  16. Linda Taschner
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    John and family, it is very sad to hear of Truda’s passing. Truda will be greatly be missed by all those that knew her.
    May you find comfort in knowing that others share your grief.
    My sincere condolences,

    Reply
  17. Nancy Patterson Wickson
    Wednesday, January 15, 2025

    John and family
    I am so very sorry for your loss. May the memories you hold in your heart bring you comfort and peace as you face the days ahead.
    Nancy Patterson Wickson & Patterson sisters Linda and Mary

    Reply
  18. Sylvie Cote
    Thursday, January 16, 2025

    Deepest sympathies to the whole family. I never met Truda and after reading this beautiful message honoring her life, I truly feel like I knew her. May she rest in peace.
    Dear friend Katie and your mom, sending you healing energy and much love during this difficult time, and to the whole family too.

    Reply
  19. Ed & Marilyn Ormsby and Family
    Thursday, January 16, 2025

    John and Family. Our hearts are saddened to hear this news.
    We are keeping you all in our prayers.

    Reply
  20. Nancy Newton & Marc Metcalfe
    Thursday, January 16, 2025

    John and family: We are so sorry to hear about Trude. She was a remarkable and caring woman, devoted to her family, her community and her faith. Despite ongoing struggles with her health over the years, she made a real difference in the lives of those around her and she will be deeply missed by us all.

    Reply
  21. Bob and Hellen Kennedy
    Thursday, January 16, 2025

    Our deepest sympathies to John and your family on the passing of Trudy. I know that from past experiences that both you and her were an inseparable couple and supported each other in everything that you did. Our prayers are with you and your family through this most difficult time
    Bob & Helen Kennedy

    Reply
  22. Gary & Maureen Robinson
    Thursday, January 16, 2025

    Trudy we think of your laugh and your organizing skills. We think of how quickly you integrated in your new communities. We think of how you supported family and friends. And we think of how you and John worked together. What a dynamic faithful couple. You both take life and run with it, and keep your positivity through it all. You have such a great family dynamic. We sincerely hope adapting to not having Trudy in person will not be too great a challenge.
    We are thinking of you with love, and will see you soon.
    Gary & Maureen

    Reply
  23. ken ormsby
    Thursday, January 16, 2025

    Greg, John and family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Carol and Ken Ormsby

    Reply
  24. Peter and Michelle Boyce
    Thursday, January 16, 2025

    John ,

    Our deepest sympathies on the passing of your wonderful wife and best friend Trudy .She was always a breath of fresh air to talk to …She certainly was a warm,caring and compassionate person..
    Trudy will certainly be missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know her but will never be forgotten.

    Peter and Michelle Boyce

    Reply
  25. Peter and Carol higgins
    Thursday, January 16, 2025

    John, we remember Truda fondly. You were lucky to have her.

    Reply
  26. Albe
    Thursday, January 16, 2025

    Truda can’t be alone, always had been a great sister, a dynamo.
    Sad that I could not stay to view her excellent choices in life. John, a family to be supported, carry on.
    Cant attend myself.

    Reply
  27. David and Kathryn Sled
    Thursday, January 16, 2025

    We send our sincere condolences to you, John, and your wonderful Family. Truda was always with a bright smile and kind word. She will be missed by many in our Meaford community.
    Sincerely,
    David and Kathy Sled

    Reply
  28. Barbara Nocon
    Friday, January 17, 2025

    John, I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved wife, Truda. I have fond memories of meeting her at a ‘Metro’ gathering, and she was such a pleasure to talk with.
    May the beautiful memories of Truda bring you comfort and peace in this difficult time. Her spirit will remain in our hearts as well.
    You, your family and Truda will be in my thoughts and prayers.
    With heartfelt sympathy,
    Barb

    Reply
  29. Bruce Hay
    Friday, January 17, 2025

    It was always fun reconnecting with Truda. I was able to do so not too long ago and for that I am eternally grateful

    To John and family I send my deepest sympathies .

    Reply
  30. Chris Ziemski
    Saturday, January 18, 2025

    Dearest John
    My most heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family. May her love and sweet memories always be at your side. May she be served with the peaceful rest she deserves for her life’s great service to all.

    Reply
  31. harley and doris greenfield
    Saturday, January 18, 2025

    Truda was a kind, caring, thoughtful individual who always has the best interests of others in mind. As an active and much appreciated member of the Meaford Accessibility Advisory Committee, she often organized discussions directed towards making life better for those of our residents with mobility and other physical challenges. My condolences to John and her family. Truda was an inspiration to all.

    Reply
  32. Carole Edgar
    Saturday, January 18, 2025

    Truda was such a kind, caring, giving soul who always had a ready smile…in spite of all of her adversities. The wonderful family Truda and John raised together, including their Christian faith, will no doubt keep them all close and able to carry on, supporting one another, as Truda would want. My only regret is that I didn’t have the opportunity to know Truda longer. God bless each of you: John, Sarah, Emily
    Gord and Greg. ❤️

    Reply
  33. Christine Graham
    Monday, January 20, 2025

    Dear John, so sorry for your loss of Truda. Such a wonderful, loving, caring person. Always with a smile, putting her good foot forward, even when she didn’t feel like it and always worried about others. I met both of you at your garden centre, would come back again and again. I think more to talk to Truda. As her health gave her struggles, I saw more of both of you at the hospital . Our friendship grew. I truly enjoyed our time together and my thoughts and prayers go with you at this time. You’ve lost your best friend but you have over 50 years of beautiful memories. Please take care John, both you and your family.

    Reply

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