Gertrude “Trudy” Lyons Catania

Life is good, Trudy knew and lived it. Family, Faith, Joy, Nature and Love. For Trudy, life always was and would be Good. With a smile, an adventurous spirit and a heart full of love, she brought laughter, warmth, and a little mischief wherever she went.

Born in Houston, Texas on January 22, 1955, to Amelia (Wiggins) and Thomas N. Lyons Jr., Trudy was the fifth of twelve siblings. Her childhood was spent outdoors, riding bikes, playing, climbing trees, and soaking up the simple joys of living. These memories became the stories she cherished sharing with her children and grandchildren.

Family was everything to Trudy. Proud of her large, loving family, Trudy found deep joy in being surrounded by her siblings, nieces, nephews, children, and grandchildren. Trudy had a natural caregiving spirit. From helping raise her younger siblings to doting on her children, grandkids, nieces, nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews, she was always ready to hold a baby, play with a toddler, or lend a fiercely loyal- listening ear to one of her “grown-up kids.”

If you met Trudy, you were family. She lived her faith treating all strangers, nurses, or people she met, with genuine care, concern, kindness and love. Her siblings' friends became loved as siblings, her children's friends became loved as children. If you had a need, Trudy would see that it was met. She always had time for you. She was a light; freely given to everyone she met.

Trudy was the proud and loving mother of three children, Angela, Amelia, and Tony. She beamed with pride at their accomplishments and delighted in seeing them become wonderful parents. To her grandchildren, she was “Gertie” a source of laughter, stories, treats, and unconditional love. Her stories of childhood mischief, fun shopping outings, and sneaking snacks will be treasured forever.

For many years, Trudy was blessed to have lived with her brother Charles and sister Adrienne, a time filled with shared love and support. This served as a centerpiece for her children and grandchildren to visit and brought her great joy.

Whether it was playing cards in Matagorda, riding around the family deer lease, day-tripping to Galveston or the Hill Country, or traveling to places like Yellowstone, the Rocky Mountains, Wisconsin’s Northwoods, or Michigan, she embraced the outdoors and inspired her family to do the same. Always with binoculars in tow, spotting hawks, loudly announcing wildlife, became a beloved family ritual.

A loyal fan of Houston sports, especially her beloved Astros, Trudy also loved attending the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, enjoying and sharing this love and time with her siblings, children, and grandchildren.

A resilient cancer survivor, Trudy showed us what true toughness looks like—paired with laughter, compassion, and a carefree joy that made everyone feel welcome. Her laugh and smile will echo in our hearts forever.

Trudy is survived by her mother, Amelia Lyons, and her loving siblings: Sisters: Cathy (Mike) Frank, Sharon (Jim) Shanahan, Mary Helen Raffety, Maureen Craven, Laurie, Brothers: Tommy (Freda) Lyons, Charles (Adrienne) Lyons, Kevin (Carol) Lyons, John (Jera) Lyons, Rick (Patti) Lyons, and Chris (Kristen) Lyons.

She leaves behind her beloved children: Tony (Sara Bartel) Catania, Angela (Stephen) Bagwell, and Amelia (Brian Hearns) Catania,

She is also survived by her adored grandchildren: Patrick, Zeke, Irene, Garet, Fredrick (Freddy), and Amelia—as well as countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who all cherished their Aunt Trudy.

Trudy was preceded in death by her father Thomas N. Lyons Jr., brother Joseph Patrick as well as her grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her generous heart, wild spirit, and unconditional love that will be paid forward.

Trudy will rest eternally in nature with a green burial at the Katy Prairie Preserve's Nature’s Burial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org, or plant a tree and dedicate it in her honor.

Please note: the funeral home does not accept flower arrangements.