Annette Truda

Truda
Annette
Annette's struggle with Alzheimer's ended peacefully at home on June 26, 2016. She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister Carolyn. She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years Robert and her children Cindy and Mark. Her family was her great joy. Even as the disease progressed she did not forget her love for them or her desire to see them safe and happy. She is also survived by Brother-in-law Gene Sutherlin and Sister-in-law Joan Selusnik; nieces Sheryl, Kim, and Alice; nephews Gene, Jr. and Donald; great nieces Lauren, Abby, and Arianna, and great nephew Kyle.

After graduating from St. Teresa's College in Winona, MN, Annette started her career as a teacher. She taught English, French, and Latin in a number of states before she and Robert settled in Minnesota. Her career continued in Minnesota at Our Lady of Peace High School in St. Paul until she welcomed her first child. Once her children were in school she decided to return to teaching. She spent a number of years at IHM on Summit Ave, before deciding to go back to school for her Masters in Gifted and Talented Education at the University of St. Thomas. After graduation, she began teaching for the St. Paul Public Schools at Ramsey Jr. High and later Central Sr. High.
Her proudest professional achievement was starting the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Central High School while serving as the school's Gifted and Talented Coordinator. She loved the program and her students. She worked hard to maintain a peaceful space where they could relax and work through the rigors of the IB diploma program. She is legendary for the "contraband" couch and her constant supply of lemon drops and cookies. She later helped establish the IB program at Harding and Highland Park Sr. High Schools. After retirement she continued to be involved in IB as a tutor for Highland Park students preparing for the IB French exams and as an IB English Test Examiner.

After retirement Annette was actively involved in her church's Senior Activity Group - Primetimers. She developed and taught an Elementary Level French Summer School Class for the West Metro Education Program and, along with Robert, was an Assistant and "Honorary Grandparent" for the Humboldt Sr. High Child Development Class student run Pre School hour. She enjoyed her garden and taking care of her plants until she was no longer physically able to keep up. She also enjoyed the comradery and exercise of the Silver Sneakers program at the St. Paul JCC, Tuesday night dinners and Wednesday Bingo with the gang at J.R. Macs, and rotating Sunday Breakfast with longtime friends.

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, 10:30 a.m. at LUMEN CHRISTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2055 Bohland Ave. Visitation one hour prior. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Association or donor's choice.