Trudy Ferschl, age 72, longtime resident of Park Ridge, IL, passed away
peacefully on June 27, 2017, after a 16-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.
She was born on November 13, 1944, in Madison, WI and grew up in
Medford, WI. She is survived by her devoted husband of 42 years and best
friend, Robert Ferschl, her loving children Marla (Jason Greenberg) of
Kentfield, CA, and Jeffrey (Janice) of Park Ridge, IL, and her cherished
grandchildren Ethan and Alaina Greenberg and Zachary Ferschl. Dear sister of Todd
and Trent (Ann) Harris.She was preceded in death by her parents Franklin and Ethel Harris and her sister
Teryan.
Trudy had a long and rewarding career in nursing. She
earned a bachelors degree at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota and a
masters degree at Boston University. She worked as a clinical specialist in
cancer nursing at Boston University Medical Center. She was also a staff
nurse at St. Christopher's Hospice—widely regarded as the first modern
hospice—in London, England. She was an instructor at the School of Nursing
at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. As a clinical specialist at Lutheran
General Hospital in Park Ridge in the mid-1970s, she was a member of a
team that planned and developed the hospital's 20-bed Cancer Care Center.
At Evanston Hospital, she provided nutritional support advice to nurses,
medical staff, and patients. At Triton College, her last employer before
retiring, she developed and conducted continuing education programs for
nurses and allied health professionals.
Trudy loved to cook, garden, attend concerts, play a
hammered dulcimer, and volunteer at the Park Ridge Public Library. She had
a passion for travel that took her to most of the states and over 40
countries, including visits to such exotic and remote locales as Tasmania,
Siberia, Uzbekistan, and Antarctica. She enjoyed long walks, hiking—
especially in national parks, biking, and cross-country skiing.
The family wishes to thank those who helped Trudy during her long struggle
with Alzheimer's disease. First, the staff at the Park Ridge Public Library for
welcoming her as a volunteer during the early stages of her illness. Thanks
also to the dedicated staff of Lutheran General Hospital's Adult Day Care
Program who cared for Trudy as her illness progressed. Special thanks to
those who provided care and support for Trudy in her home during the final
stages of her illness: Angie, Liliana, Fatima, Soozie, Harry, and Nathan from
Rainbow Hospice and Georgia and Alicia from A-Abiding Care. Finally, the
family is grateful for the kindness and compassion shown by the staff at
Rainbow Hospice's inpatient facility during the last four days of her life.
Trudy surely wishes for us to celebrate her life and remember her as a funny,
loving, kind, and thoughtful person who was admired by everyone who knew
her. We will miss her dearly.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Park Ridge Public Library or
Rainbow Hospice. Memorial gathering Monday, July 3, 2017 from 9:30 A.M. until time of service 12 P.M.