Gertrude Brinen

BRINEN, Gertrude "Trudy", of Tampa died September 11, 2014. Mrs. Brinen was born in Georgia but was a lifelong resident of Tampa. She came here from NY after completing her studies at Columbia University. Along with her late husband, she assisted in operating Brinen & Sinsley Insurance Agency. While her children were in School, Trudy was active in the PTA and was instrumental in helping modernize Grady Elementary School. She was a longtime member of Congregation Schaarai Zedek where she volunteered in the Temple Office. She was the recipient of the Temple's President's Cup award for her dedicated service and she also gave her time at St. Joseph's Hospital and in providing braille services to the blind. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Philip. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Jeff & Jenny Brinen of Denver, CO, daughters and sons-in-law, Robyn & Dr. Robert Kessler of New Orleans, LA, and Fredda & Dr. Steve Weisbond of Tampa, brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Sam & Trudy Levine, State College, PA, sister, Vivian "Billie" Witkoff, Miami, sister-in-law, Edythe Kessler, Tampa, six cherished grandchildren, Jennifer Kessler, Beth Kessler, Alex Kessler, Drew Brinen, Erin Weisbond and Jay Weisbond along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. Graveside services will be held Sunday, 3:00 PM at Schaarai Zedek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Schaarai Zedek or the charity of ones choice.