It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gertrude “Trudy” McArdle (Hammond), a beloved mother, grandmother, nurse and friend, who left us on October 6, 2025, just a couple of weeks shy of her 90th birthday. Born in Chicago, Ill., on October 21, 1935, Trudy brought warmth and kindness into every life she touched.
She was our icon and our leader. Trudy was the heart and soul of the family. Anyone who knew her loved her deeply. Her laugh was infectious, her stories unforgettable — the kind that left us in tears from laughing so hard. She had an incredible gift for storytelling and for bringing people together with warmth, humor, boundless love, a great faith and wonderful homemade food, including awesome gravy and delicious pies. She never missed a child or grandchild’s sporting event, concert, graduation or any special occasion. She planned and hosted birthday parties for everybody. To round out her interests, she enjoyed college basketball games (go Syracuse!) and loved the Red Sox too!
She lived with grit, grace and deep compassion. Trudy gave so much of herself and was always ready to listen, offering a kind word, a hug and a helping hand. She led by example and taught us the value of strength, generosity, forgiveness, understanding and resilience. The memories she made with us are too many to count, and the mark she left on our lives is permanent. Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we are truly grateful for the time we shared with her and the love she so freely gave. She was, and always will be, unforgettable.
Trudy’s educational journey began at East Chester School in Scarsdale, N.Y., where she sparkled academically and formed lasting friendships. She later earned her bachelor’s degree with honors from Syracuse University, where she took on the role of tutor for fellow students, including her future husband, Jerome “Jerry” McArdle, formerly of Bellows Falls, Vt. They were happily married on December 28, 1957, and shared a life full of love and laughter until Jerry’s passing on May 16, 2006. Jerry brought his bride and young family back to his home state in 1961 when he began his career with the state of Vermont.
After moving to Montpelier, she dedicated her life to caring for others. As a school nurse for several area schools, including Rumney and Berlin Elementary, where she also taught health sciences, Trudy was a comforting presence to countless children. She never forgot a child’s name and would often encounter one even years later who would warmly greet her with a smile and warm hug. She initially worked as an RN at Central Vermont Medical Center, the Macfarlan House and Woodridge Nursing Home, where her compassion and expertise made a true difference in the community.
Trudy is survived by her loving children: Michael and his wife, Amy, and their sons, Ellis (Jamie) and Jake (Amanda); Thomas and his wife, Sharon, and their son, Sam; John and his son, Anthony, and stepdaughter, Summer; Kathleen and her children, Brittany (Anthony) and Ben (Danielle); Christeen; and Chanra and her husband, Josh, and their children, Lana and Luke; guardian daughter, Thangrath; as well as nine great-grandchildren. She poured her full being into raising her children and creating a close-knit family full of holiday traditions that will carry her legacy forward.
Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her cherished sister Marcia Gillcrist, loving brother Dean Hammond, lovely niece Bernadette Gillcrist, her parents J.D. and Marsha Hammond, son-in-law Ted Beery, brother-in-law Walt Gilcrist, and her foster son, Kerry Shuttle. In addition to her children, she is survived by her devoted sister Peggy Hammond, her wonderful brother “Big” Jim Hammond and his wife, Louise “Weezie,” her sister-in-law Gail Hammond, the Kathan family, formerly of Bellows Falls, Vt., and the numerous fun-loving Gillcrist and Hammond nieces and nephews and all their children who she somehow never forgot to send birthday greetings to.
Calling hours will be held 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Guare & Sons Funeral Home. A funeral mass for Trudy will be celebrated following calling hours, beginning at 1 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Montpelier, Vt. Family and friends are invited to gather in her memory to share stories, laughter and love — just as she would have wanted — at her celebration of life in the Montpelier Room of the Capitol Plaza Hotel, 100 State St., Montpelier, VT (2:30 to 5 p.m.).
Trudy McArdle’s spirit will forever live on in the hearts of her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched. Rest in peace, Trudy — you will be deeply missed.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Lamoille Valley Family Center in Morrisville, Vt., or the Vermont Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
This article appears in Oct 15-21 2025.