Trudy
was truly loved and loved a life well lived. She was a lifelong
explorer and recently left us on her latest adventure. Dutch by
birth, American by residency, World Citizen by choice.
Success
for Trudy wasn’t monetary but was found in the fulfillment of her
ideals and dreams. Inspiringly, she imparted many of us with those
ideals, which will remain strong within us.
She
thoroughly enjoyed her youth with siblings Ida, Peter, Marijke and
Elly and parents Petrus and Adriana, in Blaricum, the Netherlands.
Her strong bonds with family and special friends survived the
decades. She was multilingual but retained her Dutch accent,
perspective and pride in her heritage. Trudy was outwardly forthright
but always compassionate and generous. She thoroughly enjoyed her
friends but was also a very strong individual. She had firm ideas of
right and wrong and held herself to them. Flowers, dropjes (candies) and coffee were her trademarks.
As
a young person, Trudy worked in Spain and later on a kibbutz in
Israel, whetting her appetite to see the world. An adventurous
overland expedition from London to Johannesburg followed. From there,
she hitchhiked to Namibia, where she encountered a Canadian, also
thumbing. Trudy and Lorne clicked, and their 48-year partnership
began. Their adventure continued for five years, exploring six
continents and ending in Burlington, Vt. Beautiful mountain and lake
views captivated the nature lover in Trudy. Burlington became home!
In
the ensuing years, Trudy made many wonderful friends working at the
hospital, the Free Press and the University of Vermont;
co-owning a resort; and volunteering with several nonprofits.
Simultaneously she travelled globally and enjoyed hiking, biking,
canoeing and skiing in the area and elsewhere.
Diagnosed
with cancer, Trudy fought quietly and valiantly without complaints.
Forever positive, Trudy remained sincerely thankful for her nearly 76
quality years and the loving support of family and friends, which she
so immensely enjoyed.
She
will be TRULY MISSED! Happily, Trudy has been freed from her struggle
and is now at peace on yet another adventure.
Her
obituary is concise, as Trudy was, but her life was joyfully abundant
with loving memories overflowing onto multiple continents and
resonating within those who knew her.
Humble
Trudy would interject, “Enough!”
Appreciated
donations, in Trudy’s honor, may be made to the American Cancer Society or any charity. Please visit awrfh.com to share your
memories and condolences.
This article appears in Mar 19-25, 2025.