Gertrud Pauline Klingelhofer (Mezger) known to all as Trudy, peacefully passed away in her home on July 4, 2026, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family. She was just shy of her 91st birthday. Trudy lived a life defined by resilience, boundless curiosity and a profound kindness that left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
Born in Germany, Trudy grew up in the rural farming town of Zaberfeld during the hardships of World War II. Her childhood taught her the value of simple gratitude. She often shared poignant wartime memories of sacrifices and the joy of a simple luxury, like an orange or spread of animal fat on her bread at Christmas. These early experiences shaped her into a woman who found deep appreciation in life’s smallest blessings.
Trudy’s adventures and travels began as a young woman. She volunteered as a candy striper at a hospital in London before taking a secretarial position at a US Army base in Stuttgart, Germany. It was there that she met her husband of 66 years, Albert Klingelhofer. She crossed the Atlantic at the age of 21 to marry Al and build a life and raise three children in Westfield, New Jersey.
Trudy was a vibrant member of her community, deeply committed to the Willow Grove Presbyterian Church, enjoying many years of get togethers with neighbors and her large circle of girlfriends. She was a competitive tennis player in both singles and doubles for decades, and loved playing bridge and mahjong.
Trudy and her family built many beautiful memories at their lake home in northern New Jersey and their
August 7, 1935-July 4, 2026
Trudy Klingelhoffer
condo in Stowe, Vermont, where she and Al cross–country skied during the winters, cherished New England Fall foliage and went hiking in the Green Mountains with their beloved Briard Otis.
Trudy’s passion for exploration took her and Al travelling around the world, including Europe, Japan, China, Antarctica, Israel, Africa, the Galapagos and throughout most islands of the Caribbean, especially Antigua, to which they returned nine times. Her home was beautifully decorated with curated souvenirs from around the globe. Trudy was a master knitter, creating intricate high–quality legacy items, including Christmas stockings, sweaters, throws, hats and mittens that will warm her family for generations to come. She loved her children Robert and wife Beth, daughter Ellen and husband Frank, Tom and wife Virginia, and her role as Oma to her grandchildren, twins Henry and Claire, Grace, Jessica, and Heidi. They were balm to her soul. She took great pride in every one of their milestones.
Trudy had a passion for history, in which she earned her degree. She will forever be remembered for her laughter, kindness and generosity that she carried through every chapter of her remarkable 90 years.
Trudy had deep compassion for animals, especially cats. Throughout her life she was a dedicated supporter of the Humane Society, ASPCA and many other animal organizations. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Humane Society of Chittenden County, which honors both her love of animals and her love of Vermont or to her church, Willow Grove Presbyterian in Scotch Plains.
