Mary Leone Trudell

Mary Leone Trudell 91, of Cedar Springs, MI, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Grand Rapids, MI. She was the youngest daughter of Douwe and Cornelia (Honton) Vander Werff. Mary attended St. Joseph Grade School on Rumsey Street and graduated from Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids. She began her career as a secretary at Oliver Machinery Company and later worked as a legal secretary for several law firms in the city. In 1957, Mary married Donald Trudell. They shared 59 wonderful years of marriage until Don’s passing in 2016. Together, they enjoyed dancing, skiing, and traveling. Mary and Don opened their hearts and home to two adopted daughters, Vicky Trudell and Marilyn (Trudell) Schmidt. They welcomed many foster children into their lives, including Elizabeth DeSota, who remained especially close to Mary and is grateful for Mary’s enduring love. Mary and Don had many friends in Grand Rapids, Cedar Springs, and throughout Michigan and Florida, and with whom they made many cherished memories.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Vicky Trudell and Marilyn Schmidt; her brother, Godfrey (Geraldine) Vander Werff; sisters-in-law, Norma Vander Werff, Patricia Vander Werff, Rita Martin; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; parents; sisters, Remiegia Henrietta Vander Werff, Henrietta Bernadette De Young; brothers, Lambert Robert, Buddy Godfrey, Francis Theodore, and her twin brother, Dominic Matthias Vander Werff.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am Monday, January 20, at St. John Paul II Parish, Cedar Springs. Rev. William Vander Werff, celebrant. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery, Grand Rapids. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the funeral Mass. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Provision Living at Forest Hills and Corewell Health in Greenville and Grand Rapids for Mary’s care over the past six months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Paul II Parish, Cedar Springs. Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home.