Trude Sterflinger, 97, passed away peacefully at Victoria Mews Assisted Living on July 21, 2026, at 6:30 p.m with her family by her side.

Born on May 16, 1929, in Munich, Germany, Trude grew up there with her parents, Gertraud and Karl, and her younger sister, Lieselotti. She came of age during World War II, experiencing firsthand the uncertainty and hardship of life in wartime Munich. Those experiences remained with her throughout her life, giving her a deep sense of perspective, gratitude, and appreciation for America and the life and opportunities it offered.

Trude married Ludwig “Wiggi” Sterflinger on May 31, 1952. The following year, the young couple emigrated to the United States, where they built a life together founded on family, friendship, and a shared spirit of adventure.

After a relatively short working career, Trude devoted herself to being a full-time homemaker and a true partner to Wiggi. Together, they shared their love of the outdoors and adventure with their children. Their many interests included racing and cruising sailboats, horseback riding, tennis, golf, and traveling to interesting, less-traveled places around the world.

Trude and Wiggi spent most of their lives on Long Island, where they raised their family and formed many lasting friendships. In retirement, they moved full-time to Wellington, Florida, while maintaining a second home in New Jersey so they could regularly visit their children and grandchildren in New York and New Jersey.

Wiggi passed away at the age of 90 on February 20, 2016, in their Wellington home, with Trude holding him in her arms. He was the love of her life and they shared more than 63 years of marriage.

Trude was known by her family and friends as strong-willed, perceptive, and insightful. She was someone people naturally turned to for thoughtful conversation, honest guidance, and wise advice. Beyond being an engaged and nurturing mother and grandmother, she was a mentor, trusted adviser, and wonderful friend to many. She was always willing—and genuinely happy—to help friends and relatives whenever she could.

Trude lived her Christian faith quietly and sincerely, expressing it not merely in words but in the way she lived. She opened her heart to everyone and treated others with kindness, compassion, and generosity.

Trude is survived by her children, Michael Sterflinger and Victoria McCrink; their spouses, Janet Sterflinger and David McCrink; and her beloved grandchildren, Kate, Peter, Lauren, and Matthew. She will be deeply missed by her family, her many dear friends, and all those whose lives were enriched by her strength, wisdom, generosity, faith, and friendship.

Trude often said, “We were put on this earth to make others happy.” She lived those words every day. And despite the hardships she had known, she would say nearly every day, with genuine gratitude, “We have a wonderful life.” She never lost sight of that truth.

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend her Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday July 25th at St. Catherine of Siena R.C. Church, 10 North Pocono Road, Mountain Lakes. Colorful attire is encouraged in celebration of her beautiful life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made inTrude's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).