SOUTHBURY- Gertrude "Trudi" Rothschild, 101, of Pomperaug Woods, died Wednesday November 16, 2011. She was the wife of the late Arthur Rothschild.

Trudi was born June 15, 1910 in Vienna Austria, daughter of the late Oscar and Helen (Salter) Novelli and had lived in Italy for many years. With the onset of WW II, Trudi, along with her sister and parents found refuge in England. While in England, she enlisted in the British Air Force. Her work consisted of breaking German codes that allowed the allies (United States and Great Britain) to gain significant advantage for their planned D-Day invasion of France. She ultimately reached the rank of Flight Sergeant and was awarded The Oak Leaf, a distinctive decoration for her service as a WAAF (Women's Auxiliary Air Force).

At the end of the war, Trudi came to the United States in 1951 and resided in New York City. There, she reconnected with Arthur Rothschild, an old friend from her days in Italy. They married and lived many happy years in New York City. Nearing retirement, they moved to Heritage Village in 1972. Trudi pursued her artistic talents in painting, photography and sculpture where she found satisfaction and recognition and was fluent in four languages. Both her and her husband spent a lot of time and effort in enriching the Heritage Village Community.

In 1995, her and her husband moved to Pomperaug Woods and she served on the Resident Council Board. She organized art exhibits, displaying all of the talented artists at Pomperaug Woods.

She is survived by 2 nieces and 2 nephews and five grand nieces and nephews, and her husband's family who reside in Sweden.

She was predeceased by a sister, Lilli Arnoni.

Memorials: Memorial contributions may be made to the Pomperaug Woods Founders Fund, 80 Heritage Rd., Southbury or to B'Nai Israel, 444 Main St. North, Southbury, Ct 06488.

Cemetery: Farband Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: Church Not Applicable

Services: A graveside service will be held Sunday, November 20 at 2: 30 p.m. at Farband Cemetery, East St., Morris, CT.