HOLLIS – Gertrude “Trudy” Irene Smith, (90) passed away peacefully in her home on January 7 after a long full life.
She was born in her parents (the late John and Saimi Lantz) small home in the village of Long Cove St. George, ME on March 6, 1931. She attended schools in Tenants Harbor and graduated from St. George High School (1949). She later attended Maine General Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1953. She was very proud of her career as a Registered Nurse working at Maine Medical Center after her graduation, holding positions including Staff Nurse, Assistant Night Supervisor and Head Nurse up until her retirement March, 1996.
Trudy had three loves in her life. The first, our father the late, Ansel E Smith (Hank) whom she met while in nursing school. They were married June 20, 1954 and we are sure Dad has been patiently waiting for her for the last 12 years. She was immensely proud of her four surviving sons (just ask any of her friends!!). Finally, she had great faith in God and lived a Christian life.
She rarely missed an event for one of her boys whether it be sports, band, scouting or some other activity. She shared remembrances of them often, not only of her son’s accomplishments, but also of the friendships she built with other parents. These were good times in her life. We remember her as a great cook and that she loved to bake. Preparing food for the joy of others is one of the sincerest acts of love. There was always the smell of fresh brownies, chocolate chip cookies, apple crisps or whoopie pies in the air. She never missed baking a favorite birthday cake for one of her sons. Her apple pies at Thanksgiving were always a favorite. She loved the sand, the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun on Maine’s beaches. It seems she was always carting a load of kids off to Pine Point Beach on her days off. The love of the ocean carries on in her sons today. She was a supporting and loving mom.
After retirement, perennial and bulb gardens became a passion, which she spent countless hours caring for. She was particularly fond of yellow tulips – her favorites. Like her mother before her, watching birds at her feeders, through the window from a chair in the kitchen, brought her a daily smile.
She also had a love for braiding beautiful wool rugs, which adorn the homes of her family and friends today, and will likely do so for many, many years to come. Her rugs are heirlooms to her memory for all that are lucky enough to have one.
Living a faith-based life was important and Trudy was an active member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Hollis, where she served as a member of The Board of Directors as well as other roles all in dedicated service to her faith and church community.
She is predeceased by younger brother John O. Lantz Jr and her older sister Dorothy Phillips, both of Tenants Harbor. She is survived by her four sons, Craig of East Amherst, NY, Brent of Stafford, VA, Chris of Hollis, Maine, Eric of Le Roy IL, her sister Ruth Achille of Merritt Island, Florida, 3 nieces and nephews, 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony on June 4, 2022 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 80 Pleasant Hill Rd, Hollis, ME beginning at 11:00am with light refreshments to follow. A private burial ceremony will follow the reception. Trudy will be laid to rest in the family cemetery next to her late husband Hank.
We are deeply grateful for Cathy Harmon, Lori Kindness, Leah Robidoux, several employees at Home Instead Senior Care, and Compassus Hospice of Scarborough. They provided the love and care necessary for mom to remain in the home that she loved so much.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church’s Good Sheppard fund, which Trudy championed and is structured for anonymous giving to those in need. Make checks out to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with a note on the check indicating Good Sheppard fund.
Trudy touched the lives of many, from the care and comfort she gave as a nurse along with the gifts of love she gave to her family, friends and church community.
With much love - She will be missed.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service website, www.mainefuneral.com