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Trudy Defino Obituary
CANFIELD — Trudy J. Defino, 89, died Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at her home.
She was born Sept. 3, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Pa., a daughter of John Dempsky and the former Louise Melenosky.
Trudy received her nursing degree from Columbia Hospital in Pittsburgh and furthered her education by earning her master’s degree as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) from St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. She then worked as a CRNA at St. Elizabeth’s and at Warren General Hospital.
Since 1967, she was a devoted member of St. Michael Catholic Church, where she was a member of the altar guild. Alongside her beloved husband, she found joy in the camaraderie of the Meander Chapter Antique Car Club. Trudy loved to travel, shop and spend her winters in Florida.
She is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Andrew) Johnstone of Martinsville, Idaho; sons, Thomas M. (Joan) Defino II and Kenneth J. (Mary Pat) Defino of Canfield; sister, Carol Lee; seven grandchildren, Rebecca (Jeff) Smith, Christina (Brandon) Grey, Hunter Johnstone, Madeline (Tristin) Pratt, Stephen (Marisa) Gallant, Diana Gallant and Kathleen Gallant; and 10 great-granchildren, Brooklyn, Jay, Aubrey, McKenzie, Michael, Riley, Cecelia, Carolyn, Catherin and Sophia.
She married Thomas M. Defino on Aug. 11, 1958; he preceded her in death on Aug. 14, 2016.
In addition to her parents and husband, Trudy was preceded in death by her sisters, Betty Dempsky, Barbara Valaw and Pat Freiland.
Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starr Centre Drive.
Prayers will be held 9:15 a.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Michael Church in Canfield.
Interment will be in Canfield Cemetery.
This obituary can be viewed and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.higgins-reardon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3701 Starr’s Centre Drive, Canfield, OH 44406
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