Trudie S. Barreras

Trudie Schuyler Barreras, passed away surrounded by love on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in her hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the age of 86.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ted and Lee Schuyler, sister Noelle Guinn, and eldest son Steve Barreras.

Trudie is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Raymond Joseph Barreras; loving children: Tish Gorman (Curt), Lorna Barreras (Mel), Toni Cobb (Rick), and Carlos Barreras. She was grandmother to Chystine, Athena, Jennifer, Jonathan, Gregory, Devon, Schuyler, Connor; great-grandmother to Riley, Genevieve; aunt to Robert, Michael, Desiree, Christie, and Diana.

Born on June 7, 1939, Trudie's life was a testament to the power of education, art, strong faith, and the enduring strength of family. A talented painter, Trudie inherited her artistic flair from her parents, who were both accomplished artists in their own right. Her home was a gallery in itself, adorned with her own masterpieces as well as those of her parents and various other artists she admired. With her daughter, Tish, she built a website, www.schuylerart.com, to share a small fraction of the art created by the Schuylers and their descendants with the world. She used her artistic gift to help causes and charities she supported by creating custom pastel pet portraits in return for donations. 

Trudie's pursuits were not limited to the visual arts. She had an insatiable appetite for knowledge, reflected in her love of reading, and by reviewing hundreds of books on Amazon Vine. She found solace and excitement in the pages of books, which were constant companions throughout her life. Her intellectual curiosity also led her to pen a memoir, called “Trust Truth” which tells her life journey of spirituality and sexuality as the wife of a gay man; this personal and vulnerable account captured the essence of her journey through life's triumphs and trials.

Trudie had a strong faith in God. She was raised in the Presbyterian faith and converted to Catholicism upon her marriage to Ray. In later years she became a dedicated member of Metropolitan Community Church which was her true church home. Regardless of her “denomination” she had great respect for all faith traditions. 

Her professional life was dedicated to the field of education earning her Masters degree at Michigan State University. As a high school science teacher, Trudie inspired countless students with her enthusiasm for the subject. She took great satisfaction in igniting the spark of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge in the minds of young people. 

Above all, her family considers her most significant gift to be the unconditional love she gave to her husband and children. She took her marriage vows seriously and weathered many storms with Ray. She raised her children to be thoughtful, compassionate, and independent individuals. Her unwavering support and guidance were the hallmarks of her role as a wife and mother, and the legacy she leaves behind in her children is profound. Her love for a good steak and fish meal reflected her appreciation for life's simple pleasures. She believed in savoring the moment, whether it was while enjoying a meal, painting a landscape, or sharing wisdom with her friends and family. 

As we bid farewell to Trudie Schuyler Barreras, we celebrate her life—a tapestry woven with the threads of passion, wisdom, and love. Her legacy will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, her art, and the indelible mark she left on the world of education. Trudie's journey on this earth may have concluded, but the stories captured on her canvases, her book, the lessons she imparted, and the love she shared will endure forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

Trudie's Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Metropolitan Community Church of Albuquerque located at 1103 Texas Street NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110. 

In lieu of flowers we request that donations be made to one of Trudie’s favored charities listed below or to one of your own choosing in her name.

Metropolitan Community Church of Albuquerque - https://www.mccabq.com/give

The Greater Good Network - https://greatergood.com/collections/gg-donate-fundraiser

QSpirit - https://www.gofundme.com/f/give-for-lgbtq-spirituality-at-q-spirit