Trudi Anne Robertson

7 February 19615 February 2024

ROBERTSON, Trudi Anne

As the result of a motor vehicle accident, Trudi sadly passed away on Monday 5th February 2024 in Dunedin Hospital.

Dearly loved wife of Jim, and loving mother of Gavin, Georgia and Cameron, and darling Gran-gran to Lachie.

Much loved sister of Kerri and Vicki.

Daughter of the late Noel and Patricia Smith.

Cherished daughter in-law of Susie and the late Hamish Robertson.

Loved auntie and friend to many.

A funeral service was held at the Mangawhai Golf Club, on Tuesday 27th February at 2.00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appeciated for the Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service and can be made via the link below.

You are also welcome to leave a tribute below. 

The recorded stream can be watched for up to a year later - see slideshow and video of the service below. 

There was an issue with the uploading of the recording of the service. We have rectified this and the video has now been uploaded. 

Tributes

Sending much love to Trudi's family at this most difficult of times. Trudi was an amazing and inspirational person, who touched the hearts of many. It is clear that she is going to be terribly missed. Please know that I am thinking of you all and sending strength. Trudi's service was a beautiful tribute. X

Lisa Nettleton

I was so terribly sorry to hear of Trudi's tragic passing - taken far too soon. Her zest for life and wonderful warmth are what I will remember most about her. She truly had a life well-lived and I'm sure she had no regrets so, hopefully, there is some comfort in that. My thoughts go out to all the family.

Shelagh Rodger

Trudi was an inspiration to us all -she lit up the room with her smile and embraced every opportunity and adventure that came her way. She was always full of energy and positivity and lifted those around her. Trudi, thank you for all of your guidance and for being such a wonderful person. Sending love and condolences to you all.

Laura

Dear Jim, Georgia and Gavin, What a lovely and fitting service for such an amazing person. We were devastated to hear the terrible news. Trudi was an inspiration, full of energy, life and fun. She was a wonderful colleague and a great friend who will be sorely missed by all. Thinking of you all and sending big hugs.

Fiona and Brian White

She was truly the Lady of the Dance! Great speeches lads and lassie… All the Ducks send all the Robertsons much love. urghabháil an lá

The Ducks

Hattie & Lottie Wright, Alex and Katie Mackay and Mums, Hillary and Clare send Georgia, Jim and Gavin our most sincere condolences. Clare and I watched the service last night and remembered Trudi so fondly and with huge respect. She was a wonderful teacher to each of our daughters in different ways. The service did her justice repeated mentions of energy, organisation and fun - what an inspiration. The golf club looks lovely and strangely these places become increasingly important to us in later years. We shall cherish our memories of your wonderful Trudi, keep cuddling Lachlan - he will help you all day by day. Hillary

Hillary Wright and Clare Mackay

What an amazing list of tributes to beautiful Trudi. Such a huge heart and zest for life. She has lived in Mangawhai for only two years but we have taken her and Jim to our hearts . Two amazing people and such assets to our community and group of friends. We loved you so much Trudi and we will support Jim and keep him close just like you did us. RIP dear friend till we meet again. Mike Tolhurst and Belinda Hall

Mike

Trudi (Mrs Robertson at school) was the most amazing teacher, care- giver and inspiration to many. I fondly remember my childhood years at St George’s being shaped by Mrs Robertson. Sending my deepest sympathies to the entire Robertson family With love, Katie Gray & family

Katie Dodds (nee Gray)

All our memories of Trudi are of boundless energy and positivity, her constant and infectious smile and unassuming kindness. We are so deeply saddened by her loss. Sending our love to you Jim, and to all your family.

Paul & Susan Mitchell

Trudi was charismatic and full of energy and always had a smile on her face. I am so sorry to hear about her sudden passing and I know she has left a huge hole in many hearts. Sending all my love to her family at this incredibly difficult time. Helen xx

Helen

Too many great memories to share. The service was lovely and a fabulous send off. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Just got back from Kenya where as you can imagine there was deep shock and sadness of a life ended too soon. Please take some comfort from the words below: "Now I've seen my last sunset, and the aches and pains have left me, Just be pleased I'm resting now, Reflecting on my times with you. You all knew me in different ways, Your memories all mingled with mine, A portrait of a life that will not fade, Until your last sunset comes round." God bless you all. Much love. Mike xx

Mike Dickson

We are very sad to hear that Trudi is no longer here. She was such an outstanding teacher and one who gave her time to everyone who crossed her path. She was always on the go, busy and finding time for family and friends. You will miss her so much and we are sending our love and thoughts to you all. With love Viv xxxx

Vivien Pickup

My deepest sympathy to Trudi's family. Her love and her love for life will be dearly missed. Niamh

Niamh

Jim, no words can express how saddened and sorry we are ………. thinking of you and your family.

Brian Laughland

An incredibly beautiful service for a wonderful woman. Jim, Gavin, Georgia, Cam & gorgeous Lachie we are holding you close in our hearts and sending you all of our love. We are so grateful for the time we got to spend with Trudi most recently in NYC, we will treasure the memories forever. Love Hamish, Stephanie & Edith Taylor xxx

Hamish & Stephanie Taylor

A beautiful tribute to such a beautiful person. We never had the pleasure of meeting Gav’s mum but can see the amazing life she lead full of love and happiness. We are so terribly sorry for your loss and are thinking of you all. Sending all our love from Scotland xxx

Grant and Chloe

Just to say I was with you all today for your wonderful tributes to a life well lived. I send a big hug.

Mark Adams

My thoughts are with Jim, Georgie & wee Gav at this sad time. So lucky to have bumped into you in Edinburgh when you were last over and enjoyed such a wonderful catch up dinner. Trudi always had a smile on her face, was always so friendly and welcoming, fun and generous with a “can do” positive attitude and embraced all that life had to offer. Our eldest daughter Katie was the luckiest beneficiary over the years of lots of Georgies old clothes and Trudi and I regularly compared notes of life in the primary teaching world. I know just how much she will be missed by all who loved her. Cherish your memories and hug each other tight. Sending love from all the Hughes family x

Jen Hughes

What a fitting farewell today to such an amazing lady. Gone far too soon. So very very sad. Our amazing adventures in UK & across Europe were life changing for me & will never to be forgotten. What a blast we all had. As someone said today we could have made a great movie about that trip. Trudi kept us all in line and always had a clear plan of attack which saved our skins so many times. Your energy, positivity & friendship meant a lot even though our paths have not crossed in a very long time Rest in peace dear Trudi knowing you were loved by many. Sincere condolences to the Robertson & Smith family.

Neil Pollett

I was so saddened to hear of the loss of Trudi. But what an amazing life she led. I now know where Gav’s “go big or go home” spirit comes from! Sending all my love to Gavin, and the family in this darkest and heartbreaking time.

Sarah Napier

Truds....... you touched so many lives in such happy, fun and positive ways. Fly high angel We love you and thank you for all you have gifted too SO many ......forever in our hearts and never to be forgotten xx

Natalie Hazelwood (Nat)

What a wonderful and truly fitting service for an equally wonderful and amazing woman. A beautiful rendition of the adventure packed, enthusiastic life of our Trudi. An amazing force for good in this world with the strongest can-do, chin up and get on with attitude I've encountered in this world so far. Some of my earliest memories are with Trudi, starting at Edinburgh Zoo which was such a laugh. Trudi nursed me when I was ill, gave me a, stern but always fair, talking to when I was cheeky to my parents and generally brought a smile to all our faces here in Scotland and I am sure around the world. I will always remember her, her voice, smile, and motivating talks. What a wonderful woman, she truly had a heart of gold and made everyones life she touched better. I don't think any of us can sum up in words what Trudi was but the service and everyones tales of joy did her justice. An absolute tragedy, heartbreaking and unfair. But I am so glad the life she lived was so full. From the Robertsons in Edinburgh and Dollar, farewell you will be truly missed but never forgotten. Much love and fly high as always xxxxxxx

Iain and Big Susie Robertson

Jim, Gav, Georgia and whole family… Words never enough. Trudy, you’ll be sorely missed. Always a great welcome in Edinburgh with so many happy memories. We hope you all have a day of enjoying wonderful memories of a great lady. With deepest sympathy and love from the Mackays xxx

The Mackays

Jim, Gavin, Georgia and Cam and wee Lachie Our love and most supportive wishes to you all ~ through this heartbreaking loss of Trudi. You will be gathering together today and cherishing your memories of an amazing lady. We will thinking of you all and the whole Robertson family as we join in from Canada. I know you will take great care of each other in the days and years ahead. Much love ~ XXXX B

M. Bonnie Lunn

Wonderful Trudi, I will forever cherish memories of you, from big events to small interactions. Thank you for making both Edinburgh and New Zealand feel like home and always ensuring that I felt surrounded and supported by family. All our love to Jim, Gavin, Georgia, Cam, Lachie and all the wider Robertson/Smith family. Elspeth & Michael

Elspeth Taylor

Trudi You were fun, joy and sunshine in our family, and because of that you leave a strong and powerful legacy of love to comfort the family. We send our deepest love to you all and wrap our arms around you as you gather to celebrate a wonderful life, well lived.

Margaret, David and Hilary

My deepest condolences to Jim, Georgia and Gavin for your great loss. Wishing you strength in these unimaginably difficult times. Trudi was such a positive and kind person; someone in whose company one felt uplifted. I was lucky to have got to know Trudi in Edinburgh, running around and exercising in Inverleith park, and sharing the many chats during the exceptional times of covid lockdown. I am ever so thankful for her friendship. Lots of love

Mari

Dear Jim, Georgia, and Gavin There are not enough words to express our sadness at Trudi's sudden passing. She was a truly wonderful person in all 'walks' of her beautiful life. She will be greatly missed. Sending lots of love to you all Milly, Rebecca, Thomas, Jackson and Mabel

Milly Adams

Jim, you have our deepest sympathy for your family’s great loss. Quite simply, Trudi was a great colleague and a wonderful human being. Anne and Paul Everest

Anne

Dear Jim & family - still in shock at the dreadful news, there are simply no words! Thinking of you all at this very sad time! Lots of love, L&Px

Lesley & Philip Skuce

Words just don't seem enough.... We were completely stunned to hear the terrible news almost three weeks ago. Our deepest sympathies to Jim, Gavin and Georgia and extended family - the distance between our two locations seems even wider when all we want to do is convey just how very sorry we are. Sleep peacefully Trudi xx

Graeme Dunn

Trudi was an outstanding teacher and a greatly loved and respected colleague and friend. I was always energised by her enthusiasm and so enjoyed working with her in those workplace visits we made together. My heart goes out to her beloved family at this terrible time. What a wonderful legacy she leaves for us all. A candle will be lit for her in love and prayers said in this quiet place by the sea tomorrow. Jane F xx

Jane Forbes

Trudi will never be forgotten by us. She was a force for good and we are devastated she is no longer here. Our thoughts are, in particular, with Jim, Gavin and Georgia. Rather than struggle to write something eloquent to describe what she meant to us, we thought we’d take a moment to think of adjectives/words/phrases that we will always think should be attributed to the wonderful Trudi. - WARM, POSITIVE,INTERESTED, HOSPITABLE, GENEROUS, ENERGY, ADVENTUROUS, LOVING, INTERESTING, ENTHUSIASTIC, INTREPID, SOCIABLE, SUPPORTIVE, HAPPY, AMBITIOUS FOR OTHERS, DETERMINED - A wonderful person we will all miss. Mike & Anja x

Mike and Anja Balfour

My heartfelt condolences and kind thoughts to Jim, Gavin and Georgia and extended family. Trudi will always be remembered as a truly generous, fun-loving and gregarious person and so caring for her family. I am saddened by the fact that I did not meet her more often with Jim. Always smiling and so zestful and supportive of what friends and family were doing. A shining light to all. With all my love Neil (Jim’s cousin)

NEIL TAYLOR

I remember Trudi and Kerri and Vicki from my Freyberg High days and being in Palmy as a teen in the 70s. My condolences to all her family. Trudi always had a big smile on her face and a sense of fun.

Debbie Petlueng ( née Ball)

Our heartfelt condolences to Jim, Gavin and Georgia and to all the extended family in Scotland and NZ Trudi was such an exceptional person who was kind , caring and so full of life and love for her family.She was always so welcoming to those she met and full of fun and humour With all our love and kindest wishes Graham, Sam and the boys

Graham Taylor

I have very fond memories of times spent with Trudi at Palmerston North Teachers’ College. She was such an effervescent and fun-loving person; a joy to be around. I’m so saddened to hear of her passing. Rest in peace beautiful lady.

Moira

Trudi was one of life’s best people with her smile, ear, compassion, warmth, energy and sense of adventure. Rest in the knowledge that you will never be forgotten. Photo: Kepler Track, Lake Manapouri (NZ) 23.2.23

Donny Hay

My heart felt condolences to Jim and family. I am sincerely saddened at the passing of dear Trudi. I know she will be deeply missed by you all, she was a very special lady, kind, thoughtful, vivacious, witty, and so much more as well. May loving memories ease your loss and bring you comfort. I will miss Trudi’s friendship, her golden smile, and a first-rate golf partner. Caroline XOX

Caroline Rivers-Smith

Trudi was an amazing teacher, colleague and friend. Her boundless energy never ceased to amaze me. She was always on the go and managed to cram so much in on any one day. She was an inspiration to us all. My love and thoughts are with all her family.

Linda, St. G's

I am so sorry to hear this news. I hope you can come together as a family and rely on each other at such a tragic time. I never got to meet her but these tributes show Trudi to have been a wonderful person.

Cameron

In the memory of the Robertson-Joseph family, our darling sister-in-law and Auntie Trudi will remain unique. This Shakespeare sonnet was read at Jim and Trudi's wedding. It remains as fitting today as it was on that special day on Lake Baringo, and we offer it here as a tribute to their strong bond, as it too will remain unique. We find comfort in knowing that the love Jim and Trudi shared with each other and with their children and grandson will help them face the future, and we will endeavour to support them as best we can as members of the caring Robertson family, whether we meet in person in Dollar, as per that magical snowy Xmas, or share many laughs and photos online. We send our fondest love to Jim, Gavin and Georgie and to the wider family, from Cameron and little Lachie to Trudi's sisters and relatives. Hel, JJ, Chris, Fif, Libby and the wider French family xxx "Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments; love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove. O no, it is an ever-fixèd mark That looks on tempests and is never shaken; It is the star to every wand'ring bark Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken. Love's not time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle's compass come. Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, But bears it out even to the edge of doom: If this be error and upon me proved, I never writ, nor no man ever loved."

The Robertson-Joseph family

Trudi was one in a trillion. She was incredible and I feel so privileged to have known her. She was the most amazing colleague, mentor and friend. Courageous and determined, she would always stand firm on her beliefs and would encourage others to fight their corner too. She lived life to the full, made the most of every opportunity and I have so many wonderful memories of her. I can still hear her footsteps echoing around lower school as she went from place to place, clutching her diary, at 100 miles an hour. She always had the most amazing way of calming people down, making you feel good about yourself and putting things into perspective. One of her favourite phrases was, 'What a laugh!' and when you were with her that is exactly what you did. At school we were - ASH and TAR - a smoky combination! She taught me so much and introduced me to many things, most notably the versatility of the egg and the fish finger sandwich. I adored her. I can't believe that such a charismatic person is gone. What a massive loss for everyone, especially for her gorgeous family. Sending my condolences and love to you all.

Antonia

Dear Jim, Bailey and family Sending you our love and deepest sympathy for your loss of your beloved Trudi. Trudi was one of the nicest people we have ever met and she had the loveliest smile. I can still see her smiling every time I think of her. We will miss her but she will continue to live on in our hearts. Big hugs to you. Nancy and Ken

Nancy and Ken Teale

What a loss to all who knew her, vivacious, funny, caring and a damned good friend. Much love to her Kiwi and Scots families CT, Jim’s cousin

Colin Taylor

So sad and shocked to hear of Trudi's tragic accident, such a loss of someone so lovely. I know her friendships extended far and wide, she will be missed by so many people. My heartfelt condolences to you Jim and your family. Chrissie McCool

Chrissie McCool

So sad to hear the news about Trudi and our heart felt condolences from everyone at Graham + Sibbald go out to the Robertson family , in particular to our colleague Gavin , at such a sad and tragic time.

Les McAndrew

Heartfelt condolences from the MacKinnons in Western Australia. So many happy memories shared with Trudi and Jim in Edinburgh, Dollar and Perth. Sending much love to nephew and cousin Jim, Gav and Georgia, and all Trudi's family in NZ. Thinking of all the Robertson clan today. Sandy, Morag, Alastair &Hilda and Sophia and Matthew

Alastair MacKinnon

I was fortunate enough to meet Trudi and Jim some 18 months ago at the Mangawhai Golf Club. Trudi, your passion to help with ladies golf was second to none. When I became GM, you would always stop and say hello and asked how I was doing, that meant so much to me. Then, I was fortunate enough to play with you in our Xmas Cheer, a day I will never forget, your smile and laughter on the course that day relaxed me so much, and in golf that can be so hard to do, I finished 2nd .It takes a special person to relax me at golf. Thank you for your support and the memories you have left with me. Although the time we knew each other was short, the memories and kindness will live with me forever. Both Caroline and I are truly saddened by this tragic accident, our hearts are with Jim and family.

Mike Lightfoot

I am so sorry to hear of Trudi's passing. My sincere condolences to you, Jim and family. May you soon recall many happy memories and comfort each other in the love that Trudi shared! ❤️

Heather Robertson

Trudi, you were a force of nature everything packed so neatly into that fit and healthy frame with a big smile to match. It has been years since you visited us in Alexandra in the frost and we took you to the ice skating rink. Big drop in temperature from Nairobi! I am so sad for your family and that the wonderful new life you had created was swept away so suddenly. I am writing this through tears. Your beautiful whānau must carry on without you and that will be a very difficult journey. I will always picture your happy, beautiful face when I think of you. To Jim and the family we send love and condolences for your tragic loss. Noel and Isabel Radka

Isabel M Radka

It is hard to believe we will never see Trudi again. She was so full of life and laughter. Always up for an adventure. We have fond memories of trying to keep up with her at BMF in Edinburgh, up a mountain in the Himalayas or skiing down one in Italy. It is hard so hard for her to lose her life when it was being so well lived.

Mark and Jackie Connolly

Thinking of you All and sending our love xxx

Karen Rutherford

It was an huge privilege to have known Trudi as both a colleague and a dear friend. She was the warmest and most generous person who always made each day brighter. The empathy and understanding she extended to everyone was unique.We are devastated for your loss and sending so much love to you all. Miriam and Matthew and family. Xxx

Miriam Munro

A beautiful member of a much loved family, who supported me throughout 1970s. Trudi was a very good student who achieved well and had a positive attitude towards people and life. I am not surprised to read the beautiful tributes above. These memories will help through the challenging times ahead. My condolences to the family, particularly Vicki and Kerri. Big hugs, Garry.

Garry Willacy

We shall treasure all our happy, crazy, adventurous times together in our hearts. We are just happy to know that Truds spent the last two years of her life in her beloved NZ, in her little bit of paradise. Sending our love to you all 💜

Tom and Sue

Dear family My heart breaks for you at the loss of Trudi She was amazing and lovely and loved. I am so sad and will truly miss her.

Penny
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