TrudyAnn Raphael, 53, went to be with her Lord after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born on the beautiful island of Trinidad to Sylvia Menuau and the late Lynton Raphael. Trudy was co-owner of two businesses, Harpale Investments and Select Carpeting in Virginia Beach, VA; which she ran with her husband Phil. She was an incredibly creative and unique person. Trudy's creative abilities and skills allowed her to magnify the beauty in everything in a unique and exotic way that no one else could accomplish. She had an eye for customizing and redesigning homes, flooring, and mass costumes for Carnival. She was also a talented mass dancer. As Queen of the Band, she danced with grace and poise. Trudy had a love for learning. She earned an associates degree from Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York, but her true university was the university of life. She became a master investor, an astute business owner, and proud land owner. She loved the land in Virginia and had many animals in her care. She had a magnificent garden, she took passion in. Trudy was a very private person and held a close cadre of family and friends. She loved her husband and kids with a fierce passion. She was the pholourie/doubles and lasagna maker at family gatherings. She was the gracious hostess at tent city camping at the land, cooking, dancing, drinking, laughing, and celebrating family. Trudy was also a hands on Aunt. She attended athletic events for her nieces and nephews with great pride and enthusiasm. She wore the team colors and encouraged all she came in contact with.

Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband, Phil G. Raphael, whom she spent 21 beautiful years with. She is also survived by her sons, Elijah, Aye Jay, and Nicholas; grandchildren, Nasir, Samir, Saniyah, and Aaliyah; siblings, Marilyn, Stephanie, Arlene, Yosef, Ninnette, Mica, Patrick, Gibral, and Chenzira; stepmother, Yolanda Blake-Raphael; stepfather, Frederic Menuau; and many extended family members to numerous to name.

The family desires a small intimate service and is inviting Phil and Trudy’s immediate family and close cadre of friends to pay respects, Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 11am at Graham Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Rd. Chesapeake, VA. A funeral ceremony to celebrate her life will begin at the funeral home promptly at 12 noon. The family is inviting guests to continue fellowship following the ceremony with a repast in the reception facilities on site. All other family and friends are invited to view the service online; please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service and be sure to share memories and leave words of encouragement to the family during these trying times.

At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation of your choosing in Trudy's honor.