Trudy Diane Owens Koch

The world became a lot dimmer on June 27, 2024 with the passing of Trudy Diane Owens Koch. We lost a wife, a big sister, an aunt, a niece, a godmother, a cousin, a best friend and confidant.

Trudy was born on June 1, 1951 in Rutherfordton, NC to Rachel and Fred Owens, and grew up in Belmont, NC. She was a 1972 graduate of Pfeifer College and had been employed by the old Bell South and as a legal assistant by several law firms in Charlotte, NC. She was an English major and excelled in writing. Many people would complain if their work was edited in any way; however, she was sought after by attorneys in the firms for her very special talent.

She was ever faithful to her Lord and savior. In the various churches that she was a member of during her lifetime, she has served in the roles of youth leader, council member, and Sunday School teacher. Many services were graced by her beautiful soprano voice. In her early years, there was not a high note that she could not hit!

Trudy has pretty much resigned herself to being an "old maid" (her words) for her entire live. The two things that she had desired were to live the life of "June Clever" and to reside in Florida. God granted an answer to those prayers in 2002.

After attending her 30 year reunion at Pfeifer, she reconnected with her best friend from those years. He had returned to his native New Jersey. Over the months that followed, they stayed in touch with one another until he made a visit to NC after overcoming his fear of flying. Before returning home, he dropped a "bombshell" on her - he had continued to be in love with her through all those years. After months of flying back and forth, the first wish was granted. On November 8, 2003, her name changed to Mrs. Edward Paul Koch, Jr.

While she did not have the kids that Mrs. Cleaver had, she did have her godchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was able to be a stay-at-home wife while assisting Ed with the care of his elderly parents. She had never been a dog person, but she became a loving mother to their chocolate lab "Coco."

She had to endure many cold, snowy winters in New Jersey before the second prayer was granted. They found their dream home in Cape Coral, Florida where they were finally able to live full time after Ed's retirement in 2013.

Left to cherish her memories are her beloved husband of 20 years, Ed; her little brothers, Tim and Wayne; brothers and sisters-in-laws, Kevin and June, Blaine, and Mark and Janine.

In addition to her parents, Trudy was welcomed into heaven by her Lord; her little sister, Teresa; special Aunts Ruth, Ruby, and Reola.

A celebration of Trudy's life will be held later in August at Cape Coral First Methodist Church, 4118 Coronado Pkwy, Caple Coral, FL 33904.

Memorials may be made to the Harry Chapin Food Bank, 3760 Fowler St., Fort Myers, FL 33901. Also, in honor of Trudy's giving spirit, if someone is in any need of assistance, remember them as Jesus would.