Gertrude W. Higgins

Higgins, Gertrude W. – It is with profound sadness that the family of Trudy Higgins of Niskayuna, formerly of Glass Lake, Averill Park, NY, announce that Trudy was called home to the Lord on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, after valiantly battling illnesses over the last several years.

Trudy was born in Boston, MA to James and Henrietta Higgins on October 26, 1937. The family moved to Averill Park, NY while Trudy was a young child and she grew up and resided in the family home in Glass Lake for most of her life. She was employed by NYS DMV, working in various offices, until choosing to take an early retirement to care for her late mother, Henrietta. Trudy was a life member of the Averill Park-Sand Lake Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and a member of the Sand Lake Seniors. She was a devout Catholic and a communicant of St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church, serving in many capacities including as a eucharistic minister.

To know Trudy was a blessing and a joy. She loved spending time with her friends and family, whether bowling with the gals, having dinners or cookouts with the old gang, taking turns hosting at one another’s homes, or volunteering at various fund raisers and events. She also enjoyed sitting down with Lily Belle on her lap, reading a good book, watching a NY Mets game, baking various goodies and trying new recipes. Her greatest joy was in spending time with her closest loved ones and their children, gathering for birthday parties, sharing milestones and celebrating the holidays. Trudy was a loving, giving and selfless person, especially when it came to animals and children.

Trudy is survived by her loving and devoted nephew and caregiver, James Monlea of Averill Park, (his children Alana, Gabrielle, Logan and Jaxon); her nephew Andrew Higgins of Thailand (his children Skylar and Kael); her loving and devoted caregiver, cousin and lifelong bestie, Tanya Hicks Hoerner (Gary, Jr), of Ballston Lake (their children, Spencer, Abbie and Jerrod). A half-brother, James Beaudoin of Schenectady survives. Trudy was predeceased by her brother Richard (the late Karen) Higgins, her loving canine Baron and is survived by her kitty Lily Belle.

Calling hours for Trudy will be Tuesday, July 21, 2026 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am, at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church, 39 Old Route 66, Averill Park, NY 12018. Trudy’s wishes were to be cremated, and placed with her mother. Burial will be private at a future time and date convenient for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests if you wish to honor our beloved Trudy in some way, donations may be made to St. Henry’s Church, the Averill Park-Sand Lake Fire Department, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, your local hospice, or Lisa Cap’s Legacy, PO Box 424, Altamont, NY 12009.

To honor and celebrate Trudy please take the time to plant flowers, volunteer in your church or community, sit outside with a good book and enjoy the sunshine, pray for someone, play a game with a child, rescue a dog or kitty, spread kindness and love, even in the smallest way that you can.

Jim and Tanya would like to thank the nursing staff and aides at Brookdale Senior Living in Niskayuna, for their compassion and care of Trudy, and her hospice team for the comfort and support they provided to Trudy, Jim and Tanya.