BROOKLINE: Gertrude “Trudie” Bickerstaffe Douglass, age 81, of Mashpee, formerly of Brookline and Newton, died on February 23, 2014, at Kindred Hospital in St. Louis. She was the beloved wife of the late George Douglass and loving mother of Marcus, Jane and Jonathan Barrow.
Born in Boston, Trudie was a daughter of the late Herbert and Florence Marion Bickerstaffe. She was raised and educated in Brookline, and continued her education at a Boston secretarial school. While employed at MIT, she met Bruce Barrow and the pair was married in 1954.
The Barrows lived in Paris and the Hague Netherlands in support of Bruce’s career in the early years of their marriage. They returned to Massachusetts and settled in Newton, where Trudie provided a warm and nurturing environment for her growing family. She was very much engaged in her children’s activities and took a great interest in their educations.
Trudie was a vibrant lady who loved fresh air, sunshine, and many outdoor activities. She was a dedicated speed skater for much of her adult life, engaging in the sport for many years, meeting fellow skaters weekly at the Boston Skating Club, Larz Anderson Park in Brookline, or at rinks on the South Shore. Some years after she and Bruce parted company, Trudie met George, an old classmate from high school. They married and enjoyed many happy years together, living in Natick and later in Mashpee on Cape Cod.
She is survived by her daughter, Jane A. Barrow and husband Benjamin Moore of St. Louis; two sons, Marcus C. Barrow and wife Ellie Calhoun of Natick, and Jonathan J. Barrow and wife Katherine of Franklin; five grandchildren, Sophie, Samantha, Daniel, Scott, and Katie; and a sister, Barbara Weinberg and husband Stanley of Sanibel, FL and Cape Cod; and her former husband and friend, Bruce. She was also predeceased by a brother, Herbert Bickerstaffe, Jr.
Relatives and friends may visit with Gertrude’s family at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, on Saturday, March 8th, 4 – 6p.m.
Burial at Newton Cemetery will be private. For the guest book and directions please visit www.everettfuneral.com.