Trudi Marie Black

Trudi Marie Black nee Schuierer died peacefully in Bridgeport Hospital on Wednesday February 17, 2020 at the age of 72.  Trudi is survived by her husband of 52 years, Larry (Lauren) Black, her son, Jason Black and his wife Beth Black, along with their children Evan and Henry, and her son Benjamin Black along with his children Avery, Connor, and Ryan and their mother Jillian Black.

Trudi was born on March 5, 1948 in Hartford, CT to Ludwig Schuierer and Hedwig Schuierer nee Horst.  Her biological father died when she was only 3.  Her mother remarried when Trudi was 10 to Bernard Hutchings who raised her as his daughter.  She spent most of her school years in Rockville, CT where she was involved with her Lutheran Church, Rainbow Girls, lifeguarding and volunteering with people with special needs.  She went on to attend Southern Connecticut State College (now University) studying Special Education.  She met Larry there and they married in 1968.  She later went on to earn a Master’s degree there as well.  

Trudi and Larry spent the early years of their marriage on Air Force bases in Mississippi and Illinois while Larry served and she worked as a teacher. They then moved to Trumbull, CT and lived there for the remainder of her life.  In that home they raised their children and many dogs.

Trudi worked as a Special Ed teacher in Trumbull Public Schools for 37 years until retirement.  She taught in various settings touching the lives of thousands of students.  She was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honors society for women educators.  In 1984 she was awarded the Helen Keller-Ann Sullivan Award, a human and civil rights award, by the Connecticut Education Association.  She was a Board Member of the Greater Bridgeport Retired Teachers Association.  

A life-long Lutheran, Trudi’s faith informed everything she did.  Trudi and Larry joined Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Monroe in the early 70’s and it has remained their church home with its members very much a part of her family.  Trudi was an important lay leader of the Church serving in countless roles over the years such as Council Member, Call Committee member, representative to the Greater Bridgeport Council of Churches and more.  Together with Larry, Trudi launched the Special Needs Program at Camp Calumet Lutheran. Trudi frequently took the lead organizing community outreach programs, encouraging others to share their gifts.  She often worked with the Salvation Army, who had provided her step-father’s education in Newfoundland, Canada where he grew up.  

Trudi was an Ovarian Cancer survivor who supported many others in their battles with cancer over the years.  She had many hobbies and interests which frequently involved her gifting crafts to loved ones whether it be stained glass, cross-stitch or knitting.  She was a voracious reader who belonged to two book clubs. Trudi was an active presence in her son’s lives supporting them in their activities such as marching band, scouting and a capella.  She communicated regularly with countless people, offering her kind words, her friendship and support in person and over social media. Family was very important to her and she kept in touch with relatives in Germany, Newfoundland and all over the US.   Trudi served as a mentor to many teachers “adopting” them into her family.  In later years, Trudi and Larry enjoyed traveling the world together with a core group of close friends. Trudi loved spending time with her grandchildren and they were always in her heart.  Trudi loved to socialize with her friends whether it be Bunko night or hosting people over at the pool. 

 Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service (outdoor seating will be provided) on Saturday June 12, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 466 Elm St, Monroe, CT 06468. Should you wish to honor Trudi with a gift her family asks that you donate to a charity or cause that both (1) means something to you and (2) speaks to who Trudi was in your life and let us know what you chose and why.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home, 399 White Plains Rd. Trumbull. 

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