Edith Gertrude Burroughs Weisheit

Edith B. "Trudy" Weisheit was born Edith G. Burroughs on July 22, 1923 in Quincy, Massachusetts where she grew up. She was the youngest child of John H. Burroughs and Clarissa Edith Tufts. Her brother, John H. Jr. and sister, Henrietta, were many years older than she. Trudy was very close to her mother whom she relied on for comfort and guidance. Her mother died when Trudy was eighteen.

Trudy was a drum majorette in High School and the Prom Queen at Mt. Ida Community College. She was a beautiful young woman and aspired to be a model. She went to Boston after college to train as a women's clothing buyer and was employed by prominent department stores. Trudy had artistic talent and a flair for style that she developed in many ways throughout her life as she moved on from Boston.

In 1946 she moved to Charlottesville, Virginia with her new husband, USMC Major Bowen P. Weisheit whom she had met in Boston, by chance, at a USO dance. Bowen often recounted that he knew this was the ONE as soon as he saw her before they were introduced! After a whirlwind romance they married on December 22, 1945 in a snow storm, then boarded a train and headed to Florida for the honeymoon of a lifetime. They were married for sixty-two years until Bowen's death in 2009.

Trudy and Bowen were deeply devoted to raising their three children. Trudy really always wanted to be a mother and homemaker, and she did it well. It was her wish to make her home, in all of its subsequent locations from Charlottesville to Boston, a welcoming and peaceful place for her children, Parker, Bowen Jr. and Jonathan, and for all who entered there. Her artistic talent showed in her lovely homes made warm and inviting in part by things she made herself in needlepoint, sewing, calligraphy and quilting.

For the last forty years Trudy and Bowen made their home in Bel Air, Maryland fulfilling a dream of Bowen's to live in the country. The girl from Boston took on the challenge, including her daughter's horse, goats, chickens, and many dogs and cats all of whom she loved. She gardened tirelessly and her yard showed her care.

While in Harford County and before, Trudy was involved in many projects through Saint Paul's Church, the Garden Club, and the Historical Society, and she enjoyed her book club all of which she continued to participate in until shortly before her illness. Through the church she organized the Meals-on-Wheels, Pets-on-Wheels and supported the Bishop's Guild for many years. She belonged to the Garden Club of Harford County for thirty seven years where she served as President for several terms over the years. Trudy was a prize winning flower arranger and her family benefited from her talents at weddings and all family gatherings. She enjoyed the community projects she helped with for the Garden Club that benefited all of the county. Perhaps most important of all, she treasured the warm and lasting friendships she made in these groups.

Trudy died December 26, 2011 after a short hospitalization. She is survived by her children, Parker, Bo Jr. and Jonathan and seven grandchildren and step-grandchildren. She will be truly missed by her friends and family who thrived on her kindness, generosity, and lovely smile.

A memorial reception for family and friends will be held at Liriodendron in Bel Air on Thursday, January 12 from 2-4 pm. Refreshments will be served.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to Cystic-Fibrosis-Maryland, Chapter Foundation, 10616 Beaver Dam Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21030