Gertrude "Trudie" M. Palmisano

PALMISANO, GERTRUDE M. "TRUDIE", 69, of Oak Ridge died peacefully on Friday, May 23, 2025. Gertrude “Trudie” Palmisano, a beacon of love and strength, peacefully departed this world on May 23, 2025, at the age of 69. A devoted mother, nana, sister, aunt, and friend, Trudie’s life was a tapestry woven with faith, laughter, and enduring love, touching all who knew her. Born on November 22, 1955, the family lived in North Bergen, where Trudie attended high school. Following her graduation, the family moved to Oak Ridge to embrace a more bucolic lifestyle by purchasing a home in the suburbs “with a big yard and an inground pool” where it was safe to frolic outdoors and ride bicycles in the street from dawn to dusk.

Trudie’s vibrant spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. She possessed a remarkable strength and kindness, always ready with a warm smile and a helping hand. She was known for her legendary cooking and holiday baking, always ensuring everyone felt welcomed and was well fed. Trudie was a gifted seamstress who could make anything by hand, from lavish dresses to beautiful dance costumes for her daughters. As a woman of faith, she frequently volunteered at church events and hosted families with housing instabilities. She crocheted blankets and knitted hats and gloves for families in need and volunteered at Head Start, a program for low-income children and families. Most importantly, Trudie nannied and cared for her granddaughters and nieces, which was her greatest passion and brought her infinite joy.

Trudie leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is survived by her children, Heather (Charles) Greulich, Hollie (Jen Lebowitz) Palmisano, and Harlie Palmisano, and her grandchildren, Kirra Simone Palmisano, Aria Danae Palmisano, and Liam Joseph Greulich. She is also survived by her two brothers, William (Joanne) Palmisano and Daniel (Dawn) Palmisano, and two sisters in law, Patti Militano and Glynis Palmisano. Trudie is survived by her nieces Donelle (Luc) Siudut, Wendy (Daniel) Baran, Rhianna Palmisano, Jenna Palmisano, Erin (Ed) Palmisano, and Jessica (Andrew) Robertsano, and four nephews, Todd (Dottie) Palmisano, Bill Palmisano, Michael Zirger, and Wil Palmisano.

She was predeceased by her parents, William R. Palmisano and Gertrude A. Palmisano, brother, Patrick Palmisano, sister-in-law, Elizabeth O’Donnel Palmisano, and nephew John V. Palmisano.

Friends and family will be received at Manke Memorial @Scillieri-Arnold Funeral Home, 351 Fifth Avenue in Paterson on Wednesday, May 28th from 5:00-8:00PM. Inurnment and a funeral service will be held at Maryrest Cemetery & Mausoleum in Mahwah on Saturday, June 21st at 10:00 am. A Celebration of Life will follow at 71 Lozier Rd in Budd Lake, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Saint Raphael-Holy Angels Parish in Hamilton, NJ.

Trudie’s memory will forever be cherished by those whose lives she touched. Her warmth, generosity, and unrelenting love will continue to inspire us all.