Trudy Claire Lakus, age 84, of Irasburg, Vermont, passed away on March 30, 2026, at home, surrounded by the love of her family and her fish, Blueberry. She was a woman known for her strength, her kindness, and the creativity she brought into the world. You could often find Trudy painting covered bridges, walking with her seeing‑eye dog DK in Hardwick, Vermont, and spending time at Grace in Hardwick — a place she dearly loved.

Born on November 5, 1941, in Harrison, New Jersey, Trudy grew into someone who carried both resilience and gentleness in everything she did. Earlier in her life, she worked as a crossing guard in Laurence Harbor, New Jersey, where she watched over children with the same care and warmth she showed her own family.

She had a deep love for art, and painting became one of her greatest joys. She especially cherished her time at Grace in Hardwick, where she found community, inspiration, and a place to express her talent. Her artwork reflected the warmth, humor, and sincerity she shared with everyone around her. She also loved the simple comforts of life, especially sitting on the porch with a good cup of hot tea, taking in the quiet moments around her.

Trudy's artwork was also shared and celebrated within her community. Over the years, her paintings were featured in several local art exhibits throughout Vermont, where people admired her ability to capture the quiet beauty of covered bridges, country roads, and rural life. She especially loved participating in shows connected to Grace in Hardwick, where her pieces were displayed alongside other local artists. Her work brought joy to those who viewed it, and her artistic spirit continues to live on through the paintings she leaves behind.

She will be deeply missed. Trudy had a natural way of making people feel welcome. She was funny, full of life, and loved her family more than anything. She enjoyed country music, often filling her home with the songs she loved, and she found joy in playing the violin, another way she expressed her creativity.

She is survived by her daughter Dawn Tanko and her son Darrin Lakus. She also leaves behind her grandchildren William Tanko and his wife Jamie Emmerson, and Tabitha Tanko, John Maye, as well as her great‑grandchildren Londyn LaRose, Lyndsay Tanko, and Reggie Wyman.

Trudy is also survived by her nieces and nephews, her sisters‑in‑law and brothers‑in‑law, and a wide circle of extended family and friends who loved her dearly and were touched by her kindness throughout her life.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband John Jr. Lakus and her son JL Lakus, and her sister dee drake.

A wake will be held on April 9, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, 37 Lake Road, Newport, VT 05855.

A funeral service will follow on April 10, 2026, at 11:00 am at the same location.

Flowers may be sent to 37 Lake Road, Newport, VT 05855.

Burial will be held at a later date at the Greensboro, Vermont cemetery.

She lived like a song,

She loved like a sunrise,

And she left behind colors

That will never fade.

Her love, her art, her music, and the beauty she brought into the world will continue to live on in the lives she touched.

Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.