Gertrude “Trudy” DePalma

With sadness Jefferson reports the passing of our longtime champion and friend, Gertrude “Trudy” McGowan DePalma.

Trudy was born on January 16, 1933 in Philadelphia to Joseph and Gertrude McGowan.  She graduated from West Catholic Girls High School in 1950 and from the Philadelphia General Hospital School of Nursing in 1953.

Following graduation, she went to work for legendary Jefferson alumnus Anthony F. DePalma, MD ’29, as his operating room nurse. They were married in December 1971.

Trudy, together with her husband, was incredibly generous to Jefferson. Among her many philanthropic investments were several lasting legacies:

• The DePalma Auditorium in the Thompson Building
• Endowing the Anthony F. and Gertrude M. DePalma Dean of Sidney Kimmel Medical College
• Endowing the Anthony F. and Gertrude M. DePalma Professor of Orthopaedic Research
• Gift to create a Jefferson Alumni in World War II Exhibit at the Pinizzotto-Ammon Alumni Center
• Gifts that will establish the Gertrude M. DePalma Nursing Scholarship and Professorship

“My very first trip after joining Jefferson, as the Anthony F. and Gertrude M. DePalma Dean of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, was to visit with Trudy in Florida,” said Mark Tykocinski, MD, who serves as the Anthony F. and Gertrude M. DePalma Dean of Sidney Kimmel Medical College. “She was so gracious and elegant, and so committed to helping others. Her generosity has transformed this university and improved the lives of our students and patients. It’s been my profound honor to be associated with the DePalma name, which is legendary here. We remain forever grateful for Trudy’s legacy and will miss her terribly.”

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Trudy’s name can be made to the Jefferson College of Nursing Scholarship Fund.