August 17, 1953 ~ December 15, 2002
Resided in:
Torrance,, CA
Trudy Fallon of Torrance passed-away Sunday, December 15 after a valiant seven-year battle with breast cancer. Family and friends mourn the loss of this remarkable woman, whose very life served as a vibrant example of hope and inspiration. Trudy was a devoted wife and mother, a gifted vocal artist, guitarist, songwriter, teacher, and creator of musical programs for children.
Trudy was born Gertrude Theresa Thomas on August 17, 1953 in New York City. She loved all types of music, dance and art from an early age. In her teen years she lived in Bedford, New York and graduated with honors from Kennedy High School, Somers, New York in 1971. She was awarded a Regents Scholarship and a Marymount College Scholarship (Tarrytown, New York), where she studied Music Education and received her B.A, cum laude, and teaching credential in 1975. During her junior year, she studied voice and composition in Vienna, Austria. In 1976, she created and hosted a 16-week TV series of guitar lessons entitled ''Guitar Rhythm for Rookies'' for Westchester County Cable Television, New York.
In 1977, her musical expertise and beauty brought her the ''Miss Westchester'' (NY) crown where she served as a spokesperson for arts education. She also competed in the ''Miss New York'' competition by writing, scoring, and performing an original flamenco guitar piece with a 20-piece orchestra. Her music credits include writing and recording guitar soundtracks for Weston Woods Studio, Westport, CT, and for her children's album ''Sweet Pea.'' In 1977, she was chosen for membership in New York's Zeigfield Club.
In 1979, after a move to California, she joined RCA Records for two years as a coordinator of international artist tours in the United States. Two years later, she devoted her energies to teaching music to children, which she pursued enthusiastically for 15 years. Her talent, dedication and wit touched hundreds of children. She taught at St. James and St. Lawrence Catholic Schools in Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach Elementary Schools, Good Shepherd School in Beverly Hills and Peninsula Heritage School in Rolling Hills Estates. In addition to her work with grade-school children, she also developed her ''Little Musicians'' Music Education Program that was a wonderful contribution to the pre-school-age children of the South Bay. In 1992, the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce acknowledged her as an ''Outstanding Young Educator of the South Bay.''
In 1985, she married British photographer, teacher and fine artist, Bernard Fallon. They were blessed with two sons, Patrick in 1988 and Daniel in 1992.
Prior to her passing, she expressed deep gratitude for the loving support from her family and friends. She was grateful to her dedicated doctor, David Chan, and the staff at Cancer Care Associates for their excellent care, friendship, and contributions to her quality of life. She also expressed appreciation for the loving support of the families at Cornerstone School, Riviera Hall, Redondo Union High School, and Peninsula Heritage School.
Trudy Fallon is survived by her husband, two sons, her father George Thomas of Vero Beach FL, and brothers George, Richard, and John.
Visitation will be held at Rice Mortuary, 5310 Torrance Blvd., Torrance (310-540-6677) from 4 to 6 PM on Wednesday, December 18. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. James Church, 415 Vincent Street in Redondo Beach on Friday, December 20 at 1:30 PM. A gathering in the Church Hall will follow directly. A private interment service will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City.
Trudy suggested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Patrick and Daniel Fallon Scholarship Fund.
Guestbook
Bernard: This has been very difficult 7 years for you. Your good humor and positive attitude speaks of a man with intestinal fortitude and reserves that most of us don\’t have. My condolances to your and your family. I\’m holding on to your Chinatown painting. Karl Dempwolf
Trudy truely was a person that I well never forget. I believe I can recall more of her humorous college antics, and quiet- philosophical dorm chats better than those of any other Marymount Collegue. Trudy stood out, plain and simple. She had presence, yet she did not demand the attention-her bright spirit and riveting personality commanded it. I believe the heavenly beings above are standing back in awe right now, as Trudy has arrived. She will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.
We\’re very sorry to hear that Trudy has gone, and sad that we never met. Our sympathies to you all and our best wishes for the future. Reg & Ina
Please accept my deepest condolences at Trudy\’s passing. At Marymount, she always had us in stitches. My most vivid memory of Trudy is watching her feet disappear into the cafeteria kitchen after accepting a dare to ride in on the conveyor belt usually reserved for empty trays. She was a remarkable human being and I will always think of her with a very wide grin on my face. Hey, Trud, try out that Neil Young imitation on St. Peter….
To Trudy\’s family, my husband & I extend our sympathy. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear John, My deepest sympathy for you at the loss of your beloved sister. I will keep all of your family, her husband and children in my prayers. Sincerely, Angela Ekroth
To the Fallon & Thomas Families: You are all in my prayers at this very sad time. You have lost such a remarkable member of your family.I know your lives were enriched by her presence and that you have many wonderful memories to sustain you at this very sad time. May God keep you all in his care. God bless. Marge Moran
My fondest memories of Trudy are when we had birthday parties in the back yard, she would bring her guitar and entertain all the children. She taught me through the years about the little things that count. Always positive and all with great love. I remember sitting drinking tea with her and how up lifting she was for me, when I was visiting to up lift her! Always a giver! Im so glad we got a chance to see My Big Fat Greek Wedding together, and just laugh! What an honor to be her neighbor and friend. God Bless you in Heavin sweet Trudy!
Bernard, I know in my heart that Trudy is in a peaceful place, and I want to wish you, Patrick and Danny love and peace during this time. I can\’t say enough of how special Trudy was to me. Here are just a few of my thoughts…. Trudy was my wonderful friend. When she was pregnant with Danny, I was fortunate enough to come into her life to help her out as a teacher\’s aide. From that point on our friendship grew, and extended out to her family. Trudy always radiated beauty, warmth, talent, and love for her family. Her perserverance in whatever she was doing, such as pulling music events together and organizing multitudes of kids so that the programs worked, never ceased to amaze me…that extra energy was the topping on the cake in whatever she attempted. My girls (Jackie, Shelly, Emily) and I love Trudy and her terrific family. Though the last few years slipped by so quickly, we had previously shared unforgettable warm moments, some tough times, and even some adventures. Trudy, you will be missed so much! With love, Susan Lapes
To Bernard, Patrick, and Daniel Trudy was a beautiful, cheerful, and talented person and I know you will miss her very much. With love, Sarah, Nick, James, David, Sally, and John
Bernard,30 years ago, learning photography was a long time ago but you know i\’m here.No need to shout,just whisper or call. Your Las Vasgas card is on the wall, along with our love and thoughts. Love Trevor,TC,Elliott and Oscar.
December 20, 2002 Bernie, Patrick and Daniel: I am sorry I could not be with you today. But I have been doing a lot of thinking about Trudy, your mom, in the last few days. The image that keeps coming back to me is from the time that Patrick was born. Before that noble event, Bernie and Trudy used to invite me over for dinner to their new house on Scott Street. Trudy finally had a place big enough to entertain. Although there was no large dining room that didn’t stop Trudy. I remember coming to my first dinner with Trudy and Bernie’s friends and a couple of single guys who had nowhere to go on a Saturday night. I was one of the latter. I came into the living room expecting a normal California style buffet and there was a series of card tables with tablecloths, place settings and name cards. It looked like a cross between a country club and a fancy restaurant. I was stunned. So was Bernie, with a bemused look on his face like he had stumbled into the company of an elegant lady and he was having the time of his life. Then came a gourmet meal with friends and plenty of wine. The next night I remember is several months later, shortly after Patrick was born. I came over for dinner, alone this time. Bernie let me in the door, told me to find a place on the couch and then rushed back to the bedroom where he and Trudy were doing something with little Patrick. When I came into the living room I thought there must have been a break-in and robbery. The furniture was covered with baby clothes and other baby paraphernalia, boxes lay opened on the floor, like someone had been trying desperately to find something. It was, of course, the normal pandemonium that happens when any couple has their first baby. Trudy walked out and the three of us went to the kitchen. We poured a little wine and starting putting together our dinner. Trudy excused the mess of the house. With that little giggle of hers she said that she had given up on the tidy house-gourmet concept and would have to deal with things the way they were. That was Trudy. Patrick had arrived, life had changed forever, and the new reality had to be dealt with. So it was not surprising when I first talked with Trudy about the rude arrival of cancer, she already had a plan. Life had changed forever, again, the new reality would be dealt with. Over the next seven years in numerous phone conversations I watched her from afar as she beat back her disease with sheer willpower so her children would have a chance to know her and her husband would get his strength back. I think her courage and single-mindedness drew out similar qualities in her husband and sons. As far I am concerned that is what families are all about. When I see this I miss not having a family of my own. Trudy was a good soul, and clearly that soul has changed form and lives on in your family. I hope to come to California to see you in the first part of next year. Until then, I wish you strength as you face your new reality. My love to you all, don