Gertrude “Trudy” E Brock

January 29, 1933 - December 23, 2021

Trudy (Gertrude) Brock was born Jan. 29, 1933 in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in the nearby town of Union. As a senior at Roselle Park High School, she was a violinist with the New Jersey All-State High School Orchestra. Her love for music was lifelong.

She graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Home Economics. During her time at Purdue, she participated in intramural softball, field hockey, bowling, and volleyball; she was also active in the University Choir, Choraleers, and University Orchestra. As a senior, she met and married Art Brock, a Marine veteran of World War II and Army veteran of the Korean conflict.

Art & Trudy had four children: Kathy Whitby (Dan) of Texas; Cindy Davis (Ray) of Indianapolis; Art Brock of Indianapolis; and Andy Brock (Betsy) of Dallas. There are 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Trudy was an elementary and junior-high school teacher for many years, mainly in the Plymouth Community Schools. She loved helping kids learn, and she believed that students learn best when there were rules and order in the classroom. Many a student can recall sitting in her class with a forbidden wad of gum stuck to his nose! Despite (or possibly because of) her firmness in the classroom, students knew that she genuinely cared about them. She enjoyed hearing from and reconnecting with many of them in later years.

She left teaching for a second career in financial aid counseling with Ivy Tech Community College in South Bend. Once again responsible for helping students, she thrived in this role until her retirement.

Trudy also was enthusiastically involved in church activities. She was a Sunday School teacher and also participated in numerous Bible studies, both as a member and as a leader. Her faith was very important to her, and she was always ready to share it with others. She was also active in Alzheimer’s support groups—first as a member and later as a leader, after Art’s death in 2014. She enjoyed helping others by sharing what she had learned firsthand.

Most of their married life, Art & Trudy lived in the rural Plymouth area. They moved to South Bend for a few years but came back to Plymouth until they moved to the Dallas area in 2005. In 2015, a year after Art’s death, Trudy moved back to Indiana–this time to Indianapolis.

Although she was 82 by this time and had several health issues, she loved being active and around people, so it didn’t take her long to find ways to volunteer her time and energy. During these last 6 years in Indy, she found both an Alzheimer’s group and a Bible study to lead. She also became the designated driver for several in her building who didn’t drive, taking them to church and also picking up meals for them on Friday nights from a nearby church.

Family was very important to Trudy. Both in Texas and in Indiana, she never missed a local family function, including birthday parties, baby showers, weddings, ball games—whatever was on the agenda.

She continued her active lifestyle until she had surgery in November; however, the complications that followed were too much for her body to overcome and she passed from this life into the presence of her Lord on Dec. 23, 2021.

Trudy’s life will be honored and celebrated at a service at 1pm on Jan. 7, 2022 at Mt Pleasant Christian Church (381 N Bluff Rd in Greenwood). Visitation is from 11am—1pm, and a family meal will follow the service.

See Condolences

I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Brock's passing! I just saw this for the first time. I had no idea. I have been following her comments on the 'Tyner Alumni' group thread. Her comments brought back so many memories. I had Mr. Brock as my teacher and principal at Teegarden Elementary. Mrs. Brock was the 3rd and 4th grade teacher. I always thought she looked like a female celebrity. If we had Barbie and Ken in my time, I would have thought of Mr. and Mrs. Brock as Ken and Barbie. My condolences to the family!

I was so sorry to read of Trudys passing. Art was a teacher at Tyner, and then Market Master at South Bend Farmer's Market. Truly was also working in So. Bend at the time. I have many fond memories of them.both. Cindy Martin Milner

Cindy, Kathy, Art and Andy, My deepest and heartfelt condolences to all of you on the loss of your mother. I know this hurts a lot. Whenever I think of any of you I think of all of you. You had and have a wonderful family. My heart goes out to all of you. Both your mom and your dad were great people and raised great kids. They both left a legacy that improved the lives of those they interacted with. Draw strength from each other and take care. Bill Kirkley

It was an absolute pleasure to help support Trudy with her role as Support Group Facilitator for families navigating Alzheimer’s disease. She was committed to providing attendees with support and resources fueled by her own personal journey as a caregiver. She was reluctant to leave the group due to ill health but in true Trudy style she ensured an in-depth and comprehensive handover to ensure the group remained intact. On behalf of the Greater Indiana Alzheimer’s Association thank you Trudy. We will remember you fondly.

I met Trudy several years ago at an Alzheimer’s support group in Indianapolis. She had a zest for life and wanted to give back to our Alzheimer’s world. I helped to connect her to the association and she started her own daytime group on the south side. She was very knowledgeable and eager to share the lessons she had learned taking care of her husband. I did not know her in her younger years but learned from reading her obituary, she was full of life and love for her fellow humans and her community. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her! May she now be joined back with her loving husband, Art, and be resting in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Trudy was a role model and a mentor as we became Support Group friends. Her loving examples of how to navigate dementia and life in general exemplified the love and care she had for others. It was a privilege to learn from her and with her. May she Rest In Peace and her memories bring us joy

Trudy was such a good friend and powerful member of our church family here at Oak Hills Community Church. She was a great mentor to our children, Alex and Maria, and she was a tremendously helpful resource providing guidance to my husband Gary and me during my in-laws' struggles with dementia. We loved to intentionally meet up with Trudy in one direction or the other during our trips to Indiana. While we send our love and care to her surviving family both biological and ecclesiastical, we celebrate that Trudy is at home with her Savior and those who went before.

I became a friend of Trudy within the last two years. I was on her list to invite to the MPCC senior lunches. We enjoyed our chats so that we simply had to meet. When I started attending the dinners, Trudy always had a spot for me. We had much the same opinions and values. We frequently sent each other messages we thought the other would enjoy. She impressed me with her zest for life. She followed Christ and actively served others. She had challenges through life; but, seemed to embrace each one as an opportunity to grow. She regularly went to the Y and urged me to follow her example. I found her to have an indomitable spirit. She is somewhat older than I. I looked to her as a mentor regarding how to age well and remain vibrant. I will miss her, yet I know, "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His. Hebrews 4: 9-10 May our Lord provide comfort for yours hearts.

I am so sorry for your loss. Trudy worked with me at Ivy Tech. I was blessed by her faith in Jesus, her professionalism, and personal interest in helping others. I’ve enjoyed her postings on the internet and our communication this past year. Rest in the arms of Jesus, my friend.

Remember the good times, the laugh and smiles. Our hearts always will remember. Peace be with you at this time and ever more.

Brock family, Knowing that Trudy is with her Savior is exactly where we as believers long to be one day. The world is a better place because of her time here.

My dear Aunt Trudy(mama Trudy). I will miss you and our late night talks. You were such an inspiration to me and you were there when I needed you most. Thank you for allowing me to live with you all those years ago and sharing your family with me. I know that we will meet again and I’m so thankful you have dad, granny and everybody else there to welcome you. With all my love your niece Trish

We are saddened to hear the passing of Trudy, our condolence to the family and friends. We met Trudy and Art back in the 70s , they introduce us to Amway , we were friends ever since .

In memory of , Debra Pearson lit a candle

I knew not to chew gum in Mrs.Brocks class that's for sure. She was a awesome teacher and always had her hair, make up and jewerly to match her outfits. I found her on Facebook about a year ago and we messengered each other often for we had the same political views. When I seen Andy's text that she passed it broke my heart for the world lost a WONDERFUL WOMAN.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.