Gertrude Gladys (Perkin) Davidson of Listowel passed away at Listowel Memorial Hospital on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in her 102nd year.
Wife of the late Ken Davidson. Mother of Kendra Zurbrigg of Kincardine, and Donna Riddell & John Holman of Kirkland, Washington. Remembered by her grandchildren Michele & Sean Lee, Kelly Krauter & Daniel Durand, Curtis Krauter, Julie Zurbrigg, and Kathy Zurbrigg & Chris Lee, and their families. Sister of Leon & Helen Perkin of Listowel. Loved and remembered also by her many treasured nieces, nephews, and friends, as well as cousins Betty (Traviss) & Howard Mitchell, and Joan (Perkin) & Jim Joseph.
Predeceased by her parents G. Edwin & Idonea (Traviss) Perkin, brother Harold Perkin and his wife Gwen, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Grace & Alvin Dahl, Les & Dorothy Davidson, William & Beryl Davidson, by her son-in-law Ken Zurbrigg, and by her nephews Mark Perkin and Brian Perkin.
Trudy was born on December 22, 1923 in Wallace township. She and her family moved to Listowel when she was 5 years old, where her brothers Harold and Leon were born. Her Uncle Irvin and Aunt Jean gave her a box camera when she was 16 years old. She had a keen eye, and her life has been well documented. From the time she was young, she enjoyed riding bikes with friends and skating. Throughout her life, she loved walks in nature, often with friends and family members. Community and friendship were always important to Trudy.
She loved swimming and had perfected the breaststroke so as to not get her hair wet. She would never miss a hair appointment.
Trudy had many healthy habits that were balanced out by her penchant for deserts. Despite rarely ever being hungry, she could always eat, and there was definitely room for pie, chocolate or ice cream.
When she was a teenager, she went out for Halloween dressed as a witch and met her future husband, Ken Davidson. She was recruited to the federal civil service after high school. She moved to Ottawa to work before the war. Ken was stationed in Kingston and would travel to visit her. They were engaged in 1943 and married the following year. Her father and brother Harold built their home after the war. She worked at various administrative jobs until her first daughter, Kendra, was born.
They built the cottage in 1952 on Lake Kashagawigamog with plans drafted by her brother Harold. Donna was born later that decade. Trudy had a deep respect and appreciation for nature. She loved seeing loons, hummingbirds, trees, flowers and contemplating sunsets.
The family would go up the hill from the cottage together to pick fresh produce from Burt’s farm. She loved fresh corn on the cob, strawberries and toasted BLT sandwiches with tomatoes still warm from the sun.
Trudy’s faith was foundational to her life, and she was anchored in her community both in Listowel and at the cottage. She and her sister-in-law Helen taught 4H in the 70’s. She was a talented seamstress and knitter. Trudy travelled with Ken to Quebec City, Montreal, Spain, Los Angeles and Denver. After Ken’s passing, a new chapter of her life began. She travelled to New York, Seattle, California, Australia and Alaska. She enjoyed local mystery tours. The family surprised her with a trip to celebrate her 90th birthday in Haliburton.
She lived in the house she and Ken built until 2016, when she decided to move to an apartment in town. In 2022, she decided to take up residence at Livingston Manor, Listowel, where she continued to make new friends and play crokinole. She celebrated both her 100th and 101st birthdays there and she loved living at Livingstone Manor since it felt like home.
Trudy lived a full life. She gave and received an immense amount of love.
The funeral service was held at Knox Presbyterian Church, Listowel, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. The service was livestreamed and the link available on the funeral home website.
Interment in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.
Memorial donations to Knox Presbyterian Church, Listowel, or Listowel Memorial Hospital would be appreciated, and may be made through the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel.
Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca
