MYSTIC: Trude Ria Brierley, 77, of Mystic died peacefully with her niece by her side on December 31, 2024 at Westerly Hospital. She was born in Norwich on January 19, 1947 to the late Helen (Sweet) Brierley and William Augustine Brierley. She was the older sister of Lissa Webster of Wakefield RI, the great aunt of Matthew Palmer, USN Sailor Ryan Palmer, Samantha Palmer, all of Preston CT and Kaitlin Palmer of Hope Valley RI. Besides her sister and great nieces and nephews she leaves her only niece and guardian Ronnie-Lee Palmer (Phillip) of Preston, her dear cousin Paula Cote Yoder of PA, and her room mate and friend June Bennet of SC.
Trude was raised in the Mansfield State Training School, later transferring to a group home with ECDC. It was there Trude’s interest for rides and outings took off. She loved spending time at Harkness Park with her housemate especially her best friend Janet. She loved scary and thriller shows and movies. Looking out her window at the birds was a calming force for Trude. Her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving at Ronnie’s where she could eat all she craved.
In 2005 while residing on Barton Lane in Ledyard, Trude was united with her niece Ronnie and her family starting many family traditions and outings. One of Trude’s favorite events was Halloween at Strawberry Park with her housemates and her family coming to visit and join in on the memory making. Anyone who loved Trude knew to never leave their food unattended. Trude will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
Special thanks to the Westerly Hospital ER Department, to Natalie, Trude’s second-floor nurse for all of your TLC, to Amber Gaffney of Mystic Healthcare, and to Phil for your advocation for Trude.
Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service for Trude on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 1:00pm at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 260 Harland Road, Taftville (Norwich) CT.