March 6th 1932 - March 17th 2025
Mrs. Trudi Fanti, age 93 passed away peacefully on Monday March 17th, 2025, at Southbridge Pinewood.
Trudi was born on March 6th, 1932 in Schorndorf, Germany to Anton and Antonie Schuster. Her family moved around a few times before settling in Biberach Riss, Germany which then became her home. Mom apprenticed to become a hairstylist in Germany where she worked for several years. In her younger years, she travelled to many parts of the world and she shared many of these memories with her family and always encouraged her children to travel and experience the world as she did. She came to Canada, following in her brother Fred’s footsteps. In the early 1960’s they worked together at the Bon Ton Hair salon for several years before becoming a full-time homemaker.
Trudi met her true love, Armando while attending English classes at night school and they later married on October 23rd, 1965. Together they raised 3 sons, and were happily married for 49 years, prior to Armando’s passing in 2015. While raising her family she was always involved in helping out at her children’s school in various activities. As a woman of great faith, she was actively involved at St. Agnes Church and with the CWL. In addition, she spent many hours volunteering at various senior residences throughout Thunder Bay.
The family camp at Dog Lake was truly one of mom’s favourite places to spend time especially with family and friends. She would often go on long walks with her family and she always made up games to play along the way. As well she thoroughly enjoyed the lake as swimming was one of her many passions.
Trudi was a very loving and proud mother and Oma who always had time for her family and friends. Trudi had an unwavering love for her grandchildren and willingly lent a hand whenever called upon and enjoyed the time she spent with them. Those who truly knew her understood how deep her love was and how she supported her family and encouraged them to chase their dreams. Trudi adored spending time with her family especially on holidays and always emphasized the importance of this. We will always cherish the memories of her unique storytelling and sense of humour, she could always make us laugh. Mom was a great cook, from her famous marble cake to her German traditions of spaetzle, rouladen, porcupines, her homemade soups and even her green rice. The grandchildren knew that Oma’s cookie jar was always filled.
Trudi will be dearly missed by her sons Michael (Jennifer), Robert (Caroline), and Carlo (Cindy). She will also be missed by her grandchildren Jared (Valena), Ryan, Evan, Nathan, Isabella, Jordan, Olivia and Carson as well as her sister-in-law Elfriede (Germany) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Trudi was predeceased by her parents, her husband Armando, brother Fred Schuster, sister Lore Kuhn and other extended family members.
The family would like to extend many thanks to all the health care providers at Southbridge Pinewood (Sandpiper Wing), Chartwell Isabella, Paramed and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre who cared for mom these last few months. Lastly a special thanks to the many special people in mom’s life who often came to visit and chat with her later in life.
Cremation has taken place and funeral arrangements are to be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Operation Smile (operationsmile.org) or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
