Gertrude "Trudy" Dorothy Boettcher, age 97, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, at Bay Ridge Assisted Living.

Trudy was born on June 12, 1928, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late James and Caroline (Becker) Doyle. On April 10, 1948, she married the love of her life, Edgar Boettcher Jr., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Saginaw. Together, they lovingly raised four children: Susan, Donna, Edgar III, and Mary Jo.

Trudy continued her education at Central Michigan University, earning her degree in education and graduating in 1959. She spent many years teaching in the Saginaw area, where her love for children and dedication to learning made her a truly wonderful and memorable teacher.

In her spare time, Trudy enjoyed crocheting and gardening and was especially proud of her indoor plants. Her green thumb was legendary, earning her the affectionate nickname "the plant lady" at Bay Ridge. Above all else, Trudy cherished her family. She never missed a chance to attend her grandchildren's sporting events, recitals, or any activity they were involved in. She was always there, cheering them on and loving them.

Trudy had a gift for conversation and could strike one up with anyone. She had no filter and you always knew exactly where you stood with her. She also had a lifelong love of dessert, often enjoying it first. One of her favorite treats was a banana split with butter pecan ice cream at Moomers. No matter the meal, she always made sure there was room for dessert.

Trudy is survived by her children: Susan (Steve) Fournier, Donna (Marty) Masker, Edgar III (Jan) Boettcher, and Mary Jo (Kurt) Schrank; her grandchildren: Chad (Rachel) Fournier, Kimberly (Whit) Magro, Edgar IV (Kristi) Boettcher, Bryan Boettcher, Kathryn (Andy) Baumann, Maxwell Schrank, and Derek Schrank; and her great-grandchildren: Ella, Isabel, Eli, Mya, Edgar V., Sydney, Arden, Adelaide, and Willow.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edgar, in 2008, and by her siblings Leo, Lynne, Carolyn, and Anne.

A Funeral Mass in her honor has been postponed until 11am at the St Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire on March 24, 2026 with a luncheon to follow.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Michigan.