Waltraud Noetzel, 88, of Salem, NH passed away on January 15, 2026, at Parkland Medical Center. Waltraud is an old German name, meaning "loving guardian", but she was known to her family and friends as "Trudy".

She was born and raised in Germany during WW II. Raised by her loving grandparents and Uncle, initially on their family farm, and then later in the city of Berlin, she endured the hardships of wartime life, an experience that forged her remarkable resilience, strength and unwavering dedication to others. Well educated and worldly at a young age, she learned to speak multiple languages. Trudy demonstrated her resourceful spirit at just 13 years old when she gathered broken bricks from her war-torn neighborhood to build a beautiful patio and flower garden – a cherished creation that still exists to this day.

Determined to build a new life, Trudy fled Berlin before the construction of the Berlin Wall. She met her beloved husband, John, while he was stationed in Germany.  She immigrated to the United States with him, a courageous decision that initially met with the disapproval from her family. Embracing her new homeland and citizenship, Trudy devoted herself fully to family, community and service.

Through scrapbooking, research and heartfelt storytelling, Trudy carefully preserved her experiences and heritage to pass on to future generations, ensuring her story, and the lessons of perseverance and kindness would endure.

A woman of profound generosity and selflessness, Trudy's life was defined by service to others. She cared tenderly for her children, grandchildren, and great grandson, and provided devoted care to her husband John during his extended illness. Passionate about crafting, she owned and operated a local craft store, Creative Ways, where she taught classes and shared her talents. She lovingly sewed and handmade almost everything and volunteered tirelessly at local schools and the senior center. One of her greatest joys was competing in the senior center's themed hat competitions. Her mission was to win, and she triumphantly claimed victory in every contest she entered.

Trudy is survived by her three loving children, Michael, Christopher, Anna and her son-in-law John; her four grandchildren; and one great grandson as well as her extended family in the U.S. and in Germany. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John Noetzel.

Her legacy is one of quiet strength, boundless generosity, and a heart that always put others first. She will be remembered for her thoughtful spirit, her joyful creativity, and the enduring love she shared with all who knew her. May her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Trudy's honor to her final resting place with her husband, at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, by visiting https://www.nhvca.org/. She often told her grandchildren that when she passed, her job would be to fluff the clouds in Heaven. We will look for her there.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 22nd from 10:00 am -12:00 pm at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St. Salem, NH. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen, NH.

To send a message of condolence to the family, please view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com