Truth Joyce Anderson

Truth Joyce "Trudie" Anderson left this world to be with the Lord on Friday, February 24, 2023. She was 95 years old.



Trudie was born March 19, 1927, in Vinton, Louisiana, to parents Claude Albertus Vincent, Sr and Anne Laura Vincent. They, along with Trudie and her older brother Claude "CA" Vincent, Jr lived in a small home in Vinton near Trudie's father's place of employment. Some of Trudie's earliest memories were of the times her mother would pack a dinner basket for her father, and they would all deliver it by automobile to him. In 1932, the family moved to South Irwin Street in Sulphur, Louisiana, the family home for many years. Trudie and her brother attended Frasch Elementary School, where Trudie met her lifelong friend, Rosemary Marshall Alford. They were each the "sister" to the other and remained close until Rosemary's passing in 2012. During high school, Trudie participated in the debate team and chorus and was drum majorette for the high school band, which she was very proud of and enjoyed immensely. Trudie graduated valedictorian from Sulphur High School in 1944 and received scholarships to attend Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette). During college, Trudie studied voice and piano- in both of which she excelled. Trudie was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, Kappa Delta Pi, Pi Kappa Delta, and The Red Jackets. She thrived at school and loved to involve herself as much as possible in campus life. As a passionate dancer and patriot, Trudie enjoyed participating as a USO volunteer dance partner to enlisted servicemen and naval aviation cadets during World War Two. On January 18, 1947, Trudie met the love of her life, Gordon Barnett "Andy" Anderson, on a chaperoned blind date. They began a long courtship that resulted in their marriage on November 28, 1953.



In 1948, Trudie graduated valedictorian with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Education major, summa cum laude. Upon graduating, Trudie began teaching as the Vocal Music Educator at Kaplan High School in Kaplan, Louisiana.



In early 1956, Trudie and Andy relocated to Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Trudie briefly taught music at Court Junior High School until she and Andy started their family, which would grow to include six children. During this time, the family became parishioners at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (now the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary). Trudie always took her children to church and did her best to guide their religious education. Trudie loved her children dearly and enjoyed tutoring them in English and Social Studies. She was a Girl Scout Troop Leader, and she took great pride in being a good mom/mommy to each of her children. In September 1971, Trudie continued her teaching career as the Choral Music Educator at Mayfield High School in Las Cruces. She trained and enlightened innumerable students and mentored a few Music Education student teachers. Over the next sixteen years, Trudie and her students competed successfully in the various choral music festivals and competitions, garnering both awards and accolades each of those sixteen years. She retired from the Las Cruces Public Schools System in May 1987. For many years afterward, she remained involved in music education as an invited judge for All-State music festivals, Solo and Ensemble festivals, and Large Group festivals.



After retirement, Trudie and Andy enjoyed time with their children and grandchildren and began to travel, as they had always wanted to do. Unfortunately, Andy developed leukemia and, after a few months of hospitalization and treatments, passed away. A lifelong devout Catholic, Trudie looked to her faith for strength and comfort and would continue to attend mass regularly at IHM until she was physically unable to do so. Trudie spent the next several years nurturing her passion for dancing with the Big Band Group association, both as an active dance participant and as an association officer. She also continued to travel, taking many dance cruises on both domestic riverboats and international ocean liners. She saw much of the world and made many wonderful friends, but she was always happiest at home with her family.



Trudie is survived by her children: John B "JB" Anderson (Twyla), Margaret A Anderson (Rick), Mary R Lujan (Rene), James S Anderson (Michelle), Martha L Anderson, Maureen L Anderson (Bob), grandchildren: Scott M Anderson (Kurstin), Michael B Anderson, Michelle L Walker, Christopher G Lujan (Iris), and Hannah E Bulson (Jason), great-grandchildren: Maya C Lujan and Alexander M Bulson. Trudie is also survived by three nieces, three nephews, and several friends. Trudie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Andy (1990), her parents: Claude A Vincent, Sr (1959) and Anne L Vincent (1993), her brother CA (2011), and two nephews.



A rosary will be said at the Getz Funeral Home on Friday, March 24, at 6:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will occur at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Saturday, March 25, at 10:30 AM with the Very Reverend Christopher Williams as the celebrant. The Rite of Committal will follow in the IHM Columbarium. A luncheon reception for all of Trudie's family and friends will take place at Finley Hall following services.



Trudie's family would like to thank the Heritage Assisted Living Facility for the last three years that Trudie was a resident, as well as her most kind caregivers, all of whom treated her with dignity and kept her comfortable. The family would also like to thank the Enhabit (Encompass) Hospice team for their care and compassionate guidance throughout this last year.

Service Details.
Rosary Service When
Friday, March 24, 2023 6:00pm
Location
Getz Funeral Home Chapel
Address
1410 E. Bowman Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88001


Service Location
Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Address
1240 S. Espina
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001