Gertrude (Trudy) Alma Pax, 70, died February 9, 2008, of pancreatic cancer, at her home at Camphill Village Minnesota. Trudy was born March 9, 1937 in Celina, Ohio to Gertrude (Jenniges) and Leo Pax and was the youngest of eight children. Raised on a farm, Trudy attended college at Marquette University, Milwaukee, and graduated with a degree in sociology. After working with a service organization in Brazil for four years, Trudy moved to Chicago and continued her involvement in social justice and political activism. Trudy worked in the steel mills in Chicago from 1975-1980. She married Tom Farr in 1974. Nic was born in 1981 and Daniel joined the family in 1983 when he was 3 years old. Trudy received a master’s degree in ESL and taught adult education classes.
In 1992, the Pax-Farr family moved to Camphill Village Minnesota. As a full-time volunteer at Camphill, Trudy contributed to all aspects of village life: she was a liaison for families and individuals; she managed the processing kitchen for years—having a hand in providing wonderful food for many people; she was newsletter editor, librarian, mentor, and compassionate and generous friend. Throughout her life, Trudy expressed her creativity through many art forms, including creative writing, music, drawing, and painting. Nature was important to Trudy and she spent much of her time outdoors. Her home was surrounded by bird feeders, birdsong, and beautiful flowers.
Trudy is survived by her sons, Daniel (New York) and Nicolas (Taiwan), former husband Thomas (California), and siblings, Lucille Bub (California), Robert (Ohio), and Ralph (Michigan). She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Fr Joseph, Fr Maurus (Martin), Esther (Winhoven) and Roman.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the arts program at Camphill Village Minnesota, 15136 Celtic Dr., Sauk Centre, MN 56378.
A memorial service will be held at Camphill at a date to be determined.