Obituary of Trudy Ann Santos

Trudy Ann Santos passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2017. She was a lifelong resident of the Monterey Peninsula, a graduate of Monterey High School and had attended Monterey Peninsula College. Having a natural talent for physical activities, Trudy spent several years of her life as a swimming instructor for children. Parents praised her for the self confidence that she was able to in instill in her pupils. Dancing was her favorite pastime. She retained the necessary balance, control, and coordination to perform a credible "Charleston" in the final year of her life. In the early adult years she enjoyed experiences as a "pop" singer making the successful transition from "swing" to "rock". On occasion she sang with "rock" organist Nick Santos, her husband, whose group played on Jack London Square in Oakland. Her talents extended to the arts and crafts where she deftly worked in the restoration of a large doll collection. After 20 years of service, she retired from the Pacific Bell Telephone Company. She made her home variously in Monterey and Carmel where she eventually bought her home. Being a single Mom, this was an accomplishment of which she was justly proud. having a home for her daughter, Lisa, and herself had been a long term goal. The final fourteen years of her life were dedicated to helping others. Hers was the number to call when transport was needed to an important appointment. Trudy was a friend in need. In her last years she provided around the clock care for her lifelong friend, Chrissy Stotler. They were constant companions and shared common interests until Chrissy became incapacitated. Trudy, a devout Roman Catholic, was a member of St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in Pacific Grove. She was twice married - first to Nicholas Santos and later Col. Roger Pierson, US Army Retired. She is survived by: one daughter, Lisa Santos; her mother Mez Benton; step-father Bruce Bradley; step brother, Eric Benton; step sister-in-law, Gail Benton; step sisters, Pat and Sheryl Benton; and step-brother-in-law, Ken Quatlander. A visitation and rosary will be on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at Mission Mortuary from 5:30-6:30pm with rosary at 6:30 pm. A funeral mass will be on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in Pacific Grove at 10 am, with burial to follow at El Carmelo Cemetery in Pacific Grove at 11 am. A Celebration of Life will take place later the same day in the lounge of Canterbury Woods Retirement Community, 651 Sinex Ave., Pacific Grove, CA at 2 pm. Contributions in Trudy's memory are suggested to: Gateway Center of Monterey County, the St. Vincent de Paul's Thrift Shop, or the SPCA.