Gertrude “Trude” MacDonald 96 passed away peacefully September 13, 2019. She has lived in Helena since 1956. Trude was born in Vienna, Austria March 13, 1923 and was a ballerina in the Viennese State Opera Ballet Company. She met her husband John N. MacDonald “Mac” when he was stationed in Vienna at the end of WWII. They married in 1949 and the Army transferred them to Fort Worth, Texas. Both of her children (Martha & Michael) were born in Fort Worth. They transferred to Mac’s next duty station in Yokohama, Japan and lived there for 3 years. In 1956 the family transferred to Helena, Montana where Mac retired from the Army as Lieutenant Colonel.
Trude taught dance classes with Blanche Judge and then with Jane Brown. She opened her own dance studio in the basement of the YWCA on Park Avenue in the mid 60’s until 1982. She nurtured many aspiring dancers over the years and was one of the founding members of the Dance Masters of America Montana Chapter and served on the board for many years. After retiring from her dance school she became a board member for the Community Concert programs. She also taught line dancing at the Senior Center.
She was preceded in death by her husband John “Mac”. She is survived by her daughter Martha, her son Michael (wife Jane), her grandchildren Lindsay (husband Bob) and Erik, her great granddaughters Margaux and Roxanne.
Private services have been held. Your comments & memories on the website are welcome
Kathy Ugrin says
Dear Michael and Martha,
Extending our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother.
You and the rest of your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Greg and Kathy Ugrin
Jim Mayer says
I witnessed what a good daughter you are, especially lately as your mother was struggling. She was fortunate to have had you.
becky bass says
I was one of her students, and I was blessed to have her as a teacher… The classes she gave were wonderful and gave me some wonderful memories. Thanks for sharing your mother with so many, and inspiring the love of dance.Just one wonderful person Thanks Becky Bass
Eric Eck says
Fond memories of Trudy and Mac. Great neighbors to Norm and Elaine. Our thoughts are with you.
Eric Nickie and Evan Eck
Sher Ehret Peteet says
Trude was a gifted, multi-talented friend to her community and to each of us who were enriched by her friendship! I will miss her greatly, yet will remember fondly our decades of laughter and enjoyment we got to share!
Cathy Schneckloth Dawe says
Mike I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Bryson says
Mike and Martha,
What a beautiful, fun lady your mom was. She always had a beautiful smile. I worked for your dad when he was Judge in early 70’s.
Condolences to you. May many special memories be your strength.
Karen Lee Bryson
Mike Wuerl says
Mike and Martha,
I was sorry to read about your Mom’s passing. I remember having several wonderful meals at your parents house in Helena.
Susie Wolcott says
I remember as a customer in my fabric store. A strong,
positive memorable person.
Colleen Rhein Carpenter says
I took several years of ballet and tap lessons from your mom. A wonderful time of my childhood! She was so sweet to talk to later when I grew up.
Doug Stewart says
Michael and Martha,
When I’m going over MacDonald Pass I will say hello to your Mom and Dad. Prayer for your Mom, you and your family.
Love,
Doug Stewart
Jim Paulsen says
Mike and Martha
I’m sorry to read of your mom’s passing.
Loss of a parent is hard….. You both are in my prayers.
What a great life you shared with your mom!
Jim
Linda Nelson says
What a joy it was to become acquainted with Trude at Touchmark. She participated in many of the exercise groups I attended. And even when her body would not cooperate, the rhythm moved in her spirit. She brought great joy.
Tricia says
I was a tap student of Trude’s. I took tap lessons from fifth grade through my senior year and remember her passion for teaching dance. She wanted us to be the best, taught us how to hear and feel the beat of the music and the importance of clear and precise taps! I have a love for dance and have her to thank for that. She will be missed!
Kalli Horne says
I was one of your mom’s students. I was just 3 years old, but my ballet classes led yo dome tumbling classes, because if a tumbling teacher that she brought in. I went on to become a gymnast but also continued dancing for the next 13 years. Your mom was the catalyst for my love of dance and the beginning of my love of gymnastics.