Gertrude McNeal

Gertrude "Trudi" Rose McNeal

Age 59, passed away tragically due to a brain aneurysm on July 27, 2024, with her devoted husband and daughter by her side. Trudi was born December 16, 1964, in St. Paul MN. She lived in North St. Paul her entire childhood, graduating from North High School in 1983. At the age of twenty-one, she met her beloved Pat; Ashley Rose was born soon after to complete their family. Trudi's happiest day was the day she became a mother. Trudi and Pat moved to St Paul to a sweet little house on Nevada Avenue. Trudi worked at City County Credit Union. As an adult learner she attended Cardinal Stritch University and graduated with a degree in business. They moved to Stillwater in 1999 to 2019. In 2019 they moved to East Farmington, Wisconsin to embark on their retirement plan. Trudi and Pat's Wisconsin estate allowed them to expand their passions. Trudi loved gardening flowers and vegetables, canning many hundreds of jars from the garden bounty. Most famously, her salsa was legendary. Trudi loved crafts and could make anything; if you were fortunate enough to receive one of her handmade crafts, it immediately became a treasure. Other lifelong hobbies were reading, playing cards, attending Minnesota Twins games, especially Opening Day. She joined the Manitou Women's Golf League in 2018, and last fall won Queen of the Ridge. Trudy loved spending time with family and friends, it was in these settings that her kind, funny, generous, and loving self truly shined. She was always smiling and laughing; her smile was radiant, her laugh infectious. Trudi had the ability to make you feel incredibly special when you were in her company. She will be sorely missed. Trudi was preceded in death by her beloved namesake, Gertrude Lueck (Grandmother) and Ralph Nardini (Stepfather). She leaves behind her beloved husband Pat and precious daughter Ashley, parents Lenore Nardini and Pat Payton (Joan), her siblings, sister Terri Tremblay (Harold), brother Tony Payton (Laurie), brother Tim Payton (Liz) and sister Tina Payton (Michelle Moran), many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Visitation August 4th at Mueller Memorial Funeral Home in White Bear Lake Sunday, August 4th 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial August 5th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's of the Lake Church in White Bear Lake with visitation one hour prior. Interment immediately following at St. Mary's Cemetery in North St. Paul. Memorials preferred to Coco's Heart Dog Rescue, for this Titus, Milo and Fletcher thank you!