Trudie B. Wanchow

Trudie Elizabeth Haddon Wanchow of Carmel, Indiana, passed peacefully at home next to her husband John of 61 years on August 11, 2025. Born in Morristown, New Jersey, on May 11, 1940, to the late Eleanor and William Haddon, Trudie was raised in Parsippany, New Jersey, where she graduated from Boonton High School. She continued her education at East Orange General Hospital Nursing School where she became a certified registered nurse (RN). Early in her nursing career, she worked at Columbia Presbyterian in New York City and East Orange General Hospital in New Jersey.

Trudie and John were married January 25th, 1964, in Belleville, New Jersey and moved to Carmel, Indiana in 1968. The couple was blessed with five children. While being a stay-at-home mom, Trudie became a volunteer extraordinaire. She fell in love with Girl Scouting when her daughters joined the program as “Brownies,” and later she became a Scout leader. After her daughters grew up, Trudie transitioned to Scout Abouts where she went on many trips visiting all five of the Girl Scout World Centers. She was also able to continue her nursing career in later years at Ascension St. Vincent in Carmel.

Trudie was an avid crafter and passed her talents and love of crafts to her children and grandchildren. She loved sewing the most, often making matching clothes for her children. Trudie enjoyed crocheting prayer shawls for Threads of Love.

Through the love of her faith, Trudie was a long-time member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. At the church, she volunteered in many areas of parish life, including the Committee for Catholic Scouting.

Trudie joined the Sigma Kappa Sorority to enjoy the sisterhood with her mother, sister Sharon, and later her daughter Salli and niece Wendy. As an active member, Trudie had the honor of being a Sigma Kappa National Officer.

Another of Trudie’s hobbies was traveling with John. They visited all seven continents. Trudie enjoyed one last Viking Riverboat Cruise on the Mississippi for her 85th birthday.

Her loving memory will be cherished her husband, John; her five children: Susan (James) Dansdill, Shari (Scott) Calder, Sandee Critser, John Andrew Wanchow, and Salli (Scott) Brown; her nine grandchildren: Timothy, Brittany, Anna, Allison, Jack, Kinsey, Elena, Ross, and Brooke; and her five great-grandchildren: Theadora, Emma, Patrick, David, and Lilah. In addition, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sharon (Robert) Andelora; and her brother, Warren (Corrie) Haddon.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19th at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Carmel, IN. A visitation will be held before the Mass beginning at 10 a.m.

The family would appreciate any special written memory of Trudie and/or photos to remember the fun times with her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to OLMC Merciful H.E.L.P. Center or The Sigma Kappa Foundation.