Longtime Walden resident Gertrude Flax, known as Trudy, passed away peacefully on April 4th at Spring Meadows Assisted Living in Summit, New Jersey.

Trudy was born on June 9,1922, in Port Jervis, New York. She received a Bachelor of Science from NY State Teachers College in Albany, NY in 1943 and her Master’s Degree in 1947. She was a dedicated teacher for 19 years, always available to lend a compassionate ear to all her students, as well as her colleagues. She married Leo Flax on Aug 17, 1947 and enjoyed his companionship and love for 61 years. Together they were active members of Congregation Beth Hillel and the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County, dedicated to service and education. They created a Living Legacy in their name at the Federation, so their philanthropic efforts would continue.

Trudy was a loving wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother, and she will be missed by all of us.

She is mourned by her daughter Donna Flax and Donna's partner Catherine Russo, her daughter Debbie Kaflowitz, her son-in-law Steven Kaflowitz, her granddaughter Rachael Kaflowitz, 7 nieces and nephews, and 6 grandnephews and grandnieces. She is predeceased by her husband Leo Flax.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday April 7th at noon at Congregation Beth Hillel, 20 Pine Street, Walden, NY, followed by burial at the Beth Hillel Cemetery, 1577 Rte 52, Walden, NY. The family will sit shiva at the home of Debbie and Steven Kaflowitz, 128 Runnymede Parkway, New Providence, New Jersey, from 7-9 PM, with a service at 7:30 on April 9th, 10th, and 11th.

Donations can be made to Congregation Beth Hillel, 20 Pine Street, Walden, New York 12586, the Leo and Trudy Endowment Fund at the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County, 292 North St., Newburgh, NY 12550, or Congregation Beth Hatikvah, 36 Chatham Rd. Summit, New Jersey 07901.

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