Traute Hildegard Cameron

Traute Hildegard Cameron died in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on January 20, 2026. She was 97 years old. Traute was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late John and Hildegard (Fengler) Baude. She completed her education at the University of Wisconsin in 1951, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. After working at Dow Corning, she married Donald Dean Cameron in 1952. Traute and Don raised their family in Wilmington, Delaware before relocating to Chapel Hill, North Carolina in their later years to be near family. She was preceded in death by Don in 2015. Traute is survived by her daughters Laurie Cameron Steponaitis and Gail Cameron Somodi; her son-in-law Vincas Steponaitis; her four grandchildren Elena Steponaitis, Lillian Steponaitis, Katherine Somodi-Stephenson, and Daniel Somodi; and two great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Frederic Baude, and his family. Traute was a devoted mother and wife who brought grace, joy and commitment to all that she did. Among her many notable endeavors, she was a talented painter in oils and watercolor and a regular volunteer, always ready to lend a helping hand to the schools, the library, the Girl Scouts, and her neighbors and friends. She was an avid reader and walked daily, as she enjoyed exercise and the outdoors. The family is grateful to her aides and the entire staff of the DuBose Health Center at The Cedars of Chapel Hill for the exceptional care that enriched the last few years of her life and kept her comfortable as time passed. Gratitude is also due to her hospice team, AuthoraCare Collective, for their guidance and support throughout the final months of her life. Interment and a celebration of Traute’s life will be private.