Gertrude W. “Trudy”, Godfrey,92, of MacArthur Drive in Smithfield, she died at home peacefully, on December 18. She was the wife of the late John R.“Bob” Godfrey.
Trudy was born in New York City and was the daughter of Robert A. and Laura (Havemeyer) Whiteford. Her formative years were spent in Pleasant Valley, New York. She grew up on a dairy farm where she developed her innate ability for nurturing animals and caring for people. She was known for her open, compassionate and giving heart as well as her open door.
Mrs. Godfrey attended Tusculum College, Greenville, Tennessee, was graduated from Columbia University-Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing and received her M.S. degree from Boston University. Mrs. Godfrey taught first year students at RI Hospital School of Nursing for 19 years until the closing of the school. She then taught at CCRI as an Associate Professor of Nursing, until her retirement in 1979. In retirement, Trudy could hardly go anywhere in Rhode Island without being recognized by a former student who would tell her how much they had enjoyed having her as a teacher.
Trudy lived in RI for more than 60 years. She and Bob loved to travel by mobile camper and traveled throughout Mexico and the U.S. For many years, their home was the center of large gatherings of friends and family, including many summer clambakes at their home on Stump Pond. Trudy will be interred with Bob, who died 15 years ago, at the Veterans Cemetery in Exeter, RI. She is survived by three cousins and their families and remembered by many friends and former students.
Calling hours are respectfully omitted and the funeral is private. There will be a remembrance and celebration of Trudy’s life at the “little white house on MacArthur Dr.” (#20) on February 8, 2014 at 2:00 PM. A memorial service will be held March 29, 2014 at 11am in the Greystone Primitive Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Greystone Primitive Methodist Church, One Oakleigh Ave., North Providence, RI 02911. Please remember her life by remembering her compassion and her dedication to education.