Gertrude E. (Trudy) Forbes went to meet our Lord on Tuesday, May 29th 2018. She passed away after battling a long illness with dignity and grace, just like she lived her life. She was married to the love of her life Bud for 68 years, she followed him 3 months and 2 days after he passed. She is survived by their daughter Patty (Butch) of Flagstaff, AZ, son’s David (Karen) and Donald (Heidi) both living in Whatcom County, and daughter June (Rod) in Midlothian, VA, 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

She was born in Middleborough, MA on July 15th 1928 to Francis and Hattie (Eames) Merritt. She will be greatly missed by her brother Robert (Peg) Merritt of Carver, MA, sister Nancy Winslow of Issaquah, WA, brother Butch (Ginny) Merritt of Waterville, ME, and all of her nieces, nephews, and cousins from all over the USA. Her mother Hattie passed away while in her freshman year at Aurora College near Chicago, she mourned her death her entire life. She met Gordon (Bud) Forbes after answering a call for a pianist for a quartet at Aurora College, she was not just a gifted piano player, she was amazing. The members of the quartet stayed best friends until the end. Trudy married Bud on June 30th 1950 in West Wareham, MA, and then they moved across the country to Bellingham, WA. Trudy’s first teaching job was in Lynden, WA, then Everett where Trudy and Bud both taught and then they both accepted teaching jobs in Kent, WA. They were the only elementary music teachers in the entire district for several years, going from school to school. Trudy taught music her entire career.

During their summers they would take the entire family and drive around the country performing at church camps, churches, local TV shows, and colleges. The “Forbes Family” had so many wonderful memories of these trips that it’s difficult to name a favorite. These trips also somehow managed to make it to Carver, Massachusetts a lot of the time so Trudy could see her childhood home, family, and friends!

Of her many gifts, her deep love for the Lord and her absolute unflinching love for her family and friends will stand out to everyone who knew her. If you ever had the opportunity to watch or hear her play piano you would never forget her talent that was second to none. She played without looking at the keys most of the time and could transpose as fast as you could figure out the key that you needed.

Trudy’s celebrations were held in Bellingham, WA on Saturday, July 14th at 2:00. The day before her 90th birthday! The address was 2100 Broadway, Bellingham WA 98225. Everyone who knew and loved her was welcome!