The Honorable Trudi (Gertrude) Walend , age 80, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, May 14, 2024 following complications from a fall.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Trudi moved to Brevard after marrying the love of her life, Ken Walend, who was employed at DuPont. Their romance lasted nearly 65 years. They were married for nearly 61. Working to make their marriage fulfilling was something that they did every day. Trudi loved to make sure that the days were fun. She often said that the smartest thing she did was marry Ken.

During the course of her life, Trudi took on many roles including wife, mother, student, nutritionist, inventor, business owner, county commissioner and state representative. Trudi taught her children to love to learn. She was proud of achieving Summa Cum Laude when she completed her Bachelor of Science at Western Carolina University. Trudi served as director of the WIC program in Transylvania and then Henderson Counties. She operated a small manufacturing business employing 65 before being elected a Transylvania County Commissioner. Trudi later served 11 years in the NC State House, including a term as Republican Whip.

Trudi's father said to never tell her that she wasn't able to do something. She would go out and prove you wrong. Her colleagues at the legislature "Let Trudi do it." Her accomplishments in the House include raising the state liability limit, establishing the Amber Alert program, and limiting the length of semi-trailers on NC roads.

Trudi loved helping others. She got the greatest pleasure in her political work from helping be sure that the citizens of her district and her state got the best possible service from their government. She also served as a scout leader and helped with community events. She taught her children the importance of being involved. She loved fiercely, was a good friend and was always up for whatever God put in front of her.

In addition to her husband Ken, Trudi is survived by their three children: Renee Miller (Ken Miller) of Cary, NC, Paige Walend (Larry Tamburro) of Phoenix, AZ and David Walend (Debbie James) of Newton, MA., and seven grandchildren (Rebekah, Sarah, Claire, Olivia, Marcus, Julia and Caroline). Trudi is also survived by 3 brothers, Joe Martin, Steve Martin and Patrick Martin, and one sister, Marilu Poole.

A memorial service will take place at Sacred Heart Church in Brevard at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 8. A reception will take place following the service.

Flowers are welcome. If you would like to make a more lasting gift we encourage:

Memory Care of Asheville

https://memorycare.org/supporting-memorycare/ways-to-give/#Donate_Online Please click on "In honor/memory or mail to 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, NC 28803

Shriner's Hospitals for Children

https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/119312 Please indicate In honor/memory

Sacred Heart Church

150 Brian Berg Lane, Brevard, NC 28712 www.sacredheartbrevard.org