Tener, Trudy (Gertrude) Marina Dorothy 

December 23, 1936 - September 24, 2026 

Trudy, who passed away age 89, was a wonderful, supportive mother who was involved in many communities building both friendships and adventures. 

She was born in Chilliwack, the youngest of three daughters to Richard and Muriel Birch; the family frequently moved with her father’s Bank of Montreal transfers. She had fond memories of places such as Prince Rupert, Chilliwack, and especially Kelowna where she worked at the Eldorado Hotel with her eldest sister, Betty. Mum graduated from Magee Secondary in Kerrisdale and looked forward to the school’s yearly grad reunions. Her parents instilled the value of family and heritage, two ideals she carried through life. 

On a double date, she met her husband David Evans Tener, an instant love affair, and with whom she raised four children: Heather(Victor), Greg(Lynie), Mark (Charmaine), and Kelly(Paul). Life was all about family: watching countless games, musicals, and ceremonies to support her children in their endeavours. Yearly, on the last school day, Mum had the station wagon packed for the summer trek to Langdale where the family spent so many memorable days fishing, swimming, and water skiing. Sadly, Dad passed away in 1990, leaving a bereaved widow. However, she met Don Wrightman and they were a loving couple for almost 30 years. 

Mum was a great athlete. She loved figure skating, competing in her younger years, and always watching the World Championships, even attending when they were held in Canada. The family looked forward to her water skiing each summer at Langdale and then later in life at Green Lake. Her last ski was at age 81 on Lake Huron. Mum and Dad loved to swim, a tradition she continued bi-weekly every summer, rain or shine. Later in life, Mum joined the Silver Dragons, a group of 75 and older dragon boaters who even competed in regattas. Unsurprisingly, she whole-heartedly supported her grandchildren’s sporting activities and was keen to share in their excitement and achievements. 

Mum loved to travel. As an eager cruiser, she visited Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean. She loved her visits to China, the Bahamas and New Zealand. Mum visited Ireland with her children to meet family and explore places dear to family lore. Her favourite destination was Hawaii; the sun, the culture, and the beaches filled her with joy. Her adventurous spirit took her to far-away places such as Egypt, Turkey and even India this year. 

Both of Mum’s partners were Masons and she was an active member of Job’s Daughters, delighting in her daughters’ reigns as Honoured Queens. She and Don travelled frequently to the Shriner’s hospital in Seattle to support children with difficult health issues. Mum also held a special place in her heart for the Order of the Eastern Star whose values of friendship, service, fellowship and charity were deeply meaningful to her. She even travelled to South Dakota as the Star’s Grand Representative for British Columbia and Yukon. All of these organizations meant a busy social life. 

Friendship and family were so important to Mum, whether with the gals at work, weekly coffee club, or the bridge couples. She cherished extended family reunions at the ranch and holiday gatherings with her children. 

Trudy leaves four children who refer to her as their rock, two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She held dear the gift of friendship, the adventure of travel, and the love of family. Hers was a life well-lived. We all treasure our special Mum. 

A celebration of life will be held on December 23rd, 2026 from 2:00 until 4:00 at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Langley. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the BC Cancer Society