Lifelong explorer was always compassionate and generous, and flowers, dropjes and coffee were her trademarks 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 r esidency, 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… ...read more read less