Obituary: Gertrude “Trudy” Ann Conklin, 81, of Guilford

Obituary courtesy of Guilford Funeral Home:

Gertrude (“Trudy”) Ann (Jeffrey) Conklin, 81 (DOB 08/23/1939) entered into rest on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. She was the daughter of former Madison educator J. Milton Jeffrey (namesake of Jeffrey Elementary School in Madison, CT) and his wife Gertrude Ruane. Trudy was predeceased by her husband, Harold Francis Conklin, as well as her granddaughter, Kyleigh Meyer. She is survived by four children: Sons Michael Francis Conklin (Mariann) of Clinton, CT and Jeffrey Raymond Conklin (Michele) of Guilford, CT and Daughters Deborah Ann Conklin (fiancé Daniel Young) of San Francisco, CA and Mary Jane (Conklin) Meyer (Michael) of Clinton, CT, as well as five grandchildren: Michael Francis Jr. of Clinton, CT and Andrew David Conklin of Middletown, CT, Madison Michele Conklin and Jake Jeffrey Conklin of Guilford, CT, and Shane Patrick Meyer of Clinton, CT. Trudy is also survived by her brother, John “Skip” Jeffrey (Patricia) of Fort Salonga, NY and their children (Trudy’s nephews) Marcus Jeffrey and John Patrick Jeffrey.

Trudy was born in New Hampshire and her family eventually relocated to Madison, CT. She attended and graduated from Madison Public Schools where her father was a beloved teacher, principal, superintendent of schools, and coach. Trudy’s mother was also an educator (teacher) prior to having children. Trudy was a lifeguard before graduating high school. She attended hairdressing school, and earned her hairdressing license. Trudy was a caretaker prior to retirement, and then enjoyed caring for all of her grandchildren periodically throughout their young lives.

At the request of the family, all services are private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Lung Association, 45 Ash St, East Hartford, CT 06108 http://www.lung.org/ or the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492 https://www.heart.org/