Obituary of Gertrude E. McVicker

Gertrude “Trudy” Eustelle McVicker, 93, of Howell, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at The Orchards at Bartley in Jackson, NJ. Trudy was born December 13, 1932 in Staten Island, New York. She was raised in South Beach with her three sisters and graduated from Saint Peter’s High School. She met the love of her life, Stephen G. McVicker, as a pen pal while he served in the US Marine Corps. They were married 65 years and lived in Florida, California, Tennessee, and eventually settled in Havelock, North Carolina. Because of their love for children, Trudy and Steve adopted three of their own–William, Karen, and Stephen.

Throughout her life, Trudy was a devout member of the Catholic Church and generously gave her time to the Altar and Rosary Society, the American Red Cross and the Boy Scouts of America. She and Steve were very involved members of Annunciation Catholic Church in Havelock and loved contributing to the parish. Trudy also taught basket weaving at the local community college and enjoyed sharing her craft with others.

Trudy moved to Freehold, NJ in 2021, spending the last several years of her life reuniting with close family. She loved rooting for the Mets, and reminiscing about her time spent working in Manhattan and visiting Radio City Music Hall.

Gertrude is predeceased by her husband, Stephen G. McVicker; son, Stephen P. McVicker; and her sister, Patricia Dini. She is survived by her children, William McVicker and Karen Brown; grandchildren, Chelsea Brown, Andrew Brown, and Megan McVicker; sisters, Julia Dini and Sue Anne Tremblay; and daughter-in-law, Jacie McVicker.

A memorial mass will be held at the Church of St. Veronica, 4219 Route 9 North, Howell on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM.   Relatives and friends are also invited to gather at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at Annunciation Catholic Church, 246 East Main Street, Havelock, North Carolina for her 11:00 AM memorial mass.   Inurnment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, New Bern, NC.  For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities, USA. Arrangements by Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.