Trudy Spiegel

On February 28th, 2025, after a short illness, Trudy Spiegel (nee Jurkschat) of Jefferson Village in Yorktown Heights (formerly of Locust Point, the Bronx) went on to her eternal rest at the incredible age of 98.
Trudy was a special person who met others with a warm kindness in her heart and a sparkle in her eye.
How she appreciated life was a credit to what she had already survived, having grown up in war-torn Europe. During WWII, her family was forced to flee Lithuania during the Russian invasion, moving through Poland into Germany. Trudy lost many friends and family members, even becoming separated from her parents until her mother was able to reunite them all. In true form, even under duress, Trudy picked up the language of every place she moved through.
After the war, Trudy's sparkle caught the eyes of Kurt Spiegel, a diver and firefighter with the U.S. Navy stationed in Germany. He would be the love of her life. Together, they would travel back to New York and move in with his family until Kurt finished his time in the Navy. In the meantime, Trudy went straight to work in her new home country, saving every penny, which they proudly put into a brand new Oldsmobile. Trudy would also grow close with Kurt's parents and younger brother Walter, who all welcomed her with open arms.
In 1953 came their beloved daughter Susan, and the young family moved into a home in Locust Point. Kurt and Trudy continued their adventures-traveling and fishing when they could-until he passed away in 1983.
Trudy would go on to work in carpet sales until her 70s. After retiring, she enjoyed many happy years at the Northeast Bronx Senior Center at St. Benedict's Church. In 2008, she moved to Jefferson Village to be closer to Susan. There she would become part of her beloved community at the Yorktown Senior Center. She especially adored the caring staff, including Noreen O'Driscoll.
Sadly, all of Trudy's family members have long passed, including her dearest daughter Susan (then Grimaldi) in 2019. Her close friend, Mary Lennon-Craig, became her informally adopted daughter and would help care for her for many years. Trudy was greatly loved by Mary and husband Leonard Craig, as well as by her adopted grandchildren: Monica (Dipin Kasana), Caroline (Steven Kuza), Katie, and Rachel.
Trudy died peacefully in the care of her loving friend Lyla Pereira, who will forever miss her.
A graveside ceremony to honor and celebrate the life of Trudy will take place on Thursday, March 6, 2025, 11:00 AM at Ferncliff Cemetery.
280 Secor Rd. Hartsdale, NY 10530
(Maplewood section)
All family and friends to gather prior to the ceremony, Ferncliff Cemetery, Gate 3 by 10:45 AM.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Cargain Funeral Homes, Inc., 418 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541, 845-628-5655, www.cargainfuneralhomes.com.
We here at Cargain Funeral Homes, Inc., are deeply committed to responsibly responding to the health, well being and needs of the families, guests and communities we are privileged to serve.