Gertrude Jean McArdle

Montpelier, VT
In Loving Memory of Trudy McArdle
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, IL, 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 & 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 story telling and for bringing people together with warmth, humor, boundless love, a great faith, wonderful homemade food including awesome gravy and delicious pies. Never missed a child or grandchild's sporting event, concert, graduation, or any special occasion. She planned & 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, always ready to listen, offer a kind word, a hug and a helping hand. She led by example teaching 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, NY, where she sparkled academically and formed lasting friendships. She later earned her Bachelor's Degree from Syracuse University with honors, 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, sharing a life full of love and laughter until Jerry's passing on May 16, 2006. Jerry brought his bride & 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 & 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 & his wife Amy and their sons Ellis (Jamie) & Jake (Amanda), Thomas & his wife Sharon & their son Sam, John & his son Anthony & stepdaughter Summer, Kathleen & her children Brittany (Anthony) & Ben (Danielle), Christeen, and Chanra & her husband Josh & their children Lana & Luke, guardian daughter Thangrath as well as nine great grandchildren. She poured her full being into raising her children, 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. & Margaret Hammond, son in law Ted Beery, 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 & Hammond nieces & nephews & all their children who she somehow never forgot to send birthday greetings to.
Calling hours will be held 10:00 - 12:00 on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at the Guare & Son Funeral Home. A funeral mass for Trudy will be celebrated following calling hours, beginning at 1:00 at St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Montpelier, VT. Family and friends are invited to gather in her memory, sharing 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 Street, Montpelier, VT (2:30 – 5:00 pm).
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, Morrisville, VT or the VT Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.