Gertrude "Trudie" N. Marra

Gertrude Nanette Marra, known to friends and family as Trudie, died suddenly and peacefully at her home in Collier Township on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at the age of 83. 

Trudie was born on April 11, 1941 in Lawrenceville, the only daughter of the marriage of William and Mary Coen. She had one sibling who survives her--Anna Mae Matthews, of Vienna, WV, and three who preceded her in death--Earl Coen, of Core, WV, Herbert Coen, of Newport News, VA, and Edwin Leech, of Pittsburgh. 

Faith, family and education were the most important things in Trudie's life. She married the love of her life, James Marra, on September 17, 1960. They had five children, including James Jr. (Joni), Missy Locke (Michael), David (Shanna), Lisa Argent (David), and Bill (Kacey), ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren (and within weeks of number eleven), and numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband James, who died in 2021.

Trudie spent the first years of married life managing a household that quickly filled with energetic children. In those days resources were scarce, and out of necessity she became a consummate home economist, scrimping and saving while reminding any of us who wished for things not deemed essential that "our last name is Marra, not Mellon" . She delivered many pearls of wisdom like this to her children over time, teaching her children things as disparate as the foundation of our Christian faith and how to count to ten in French.  

Once her children were grown and gone, Trudie found a fitting way to make a difference in our community Melding her rock-solid faith and her love of teaching, she became the Director of Religious Education for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. Over her more than twenty-five years of service, she touched the lives of thousands of kids, parents, and teachers, bringing them closer to their faith by facilitating the teaching of that faith Her annual Christmas pageants were spectacles that are fondly remembered even today.  

Trudie loved her family and friends. She loved her faith, and she loved to help others grow in their faith. In her later years she found great joy in spending time with her family, and she took comfort in her feline companions Chessie and Tommy. We mourn her passing, and we take our own comfort in knowing that she and The Chief are once again tripping the light fantastic together, in that great dance hall in the sky. 

Our family will receive friends on Sunday 1-4 PM and 6-8 PM, at WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE (412-563-2800), 1650 Greentree Road, Scott Twp., 15220. Friends may also call between 9-9:30 AM on Monday, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at St. Raphael the Archangel Parish, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 330 Third Avenue, Carnegie.

In lieu of flowers, we respectfully ask you to consider a donation to Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. 1 N. Linden St., Duquesne, PA 15110 www.pittsburghfoodbank.org    www.slaterfuneral.com.