Gertrude M. "Trudi" (Ketola) Shaffer

Gertrude “Trudi” M. (Ketola) Shaffer 91, of Cortland, NY passed away at her home on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.  Trudi was born on May 12, 1929 and was the daughter of the late Victor Ketola and Laura (Matison) Ketola.

Trudi was survived by her daughter, Victoria Shaffer; her grandchildren Desiree (Chris) Smith, Heidi Shaffer, Toria (Mike) Curbelo & Dante Fezza; and her great grandchildren, Isaiah & Melody Lateer. Trudi was predeceased by her husband, Robert Shaffer, her son, Randall Shaffer; her siblings, Sylvia Root, Einer Ketola, and Sadie Proctor; and grandchild, Shannon A. Lateer.

Trudi’s lifelong accomplishments were her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved spending time with them and looked forward to monthly family events. Trudi was known for her crafts and sewing. She spent many years selling her stuff at craft fairs and making gifts for people. She loved flowers and being outdoors, especially sitting on her swing listening to the birds and taking in the fresh spring, summer and fall air. She was also very stubborn and never wanted anyone to help her. She was always up for a challenge and did whatever it took to accomplish it. Even at 91, you would see her outside shoveling her driveway and sidewalk. Her other hobbies included crossword puzzles, coin collecting, and doing puzzles with her grandchildren. And every time she went to the store, she had to buy a scratch off lotto ticket. She could not wait to get home and scratch that ticket before she even put her groceries away. Her love and compassion for others left a huge impact on her family and everyone she came across in life. She will be missed by her family as she was the glue that held the family together.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm, Friday, March 26, 2021 at Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden, NY. Burial at Willow Glen Cemetery will immediately follow. Due to Covid restrictions, the family has requested for only close family and friends to attend. No calling hours. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cortland SPCA, 879 McLean Rd, Cortland, NY 13045 or the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.