Waltraut "Trudy" Blacksmith, 98, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025, at CareOne in Concord, Massachusetts, just five days shy of her 99th birthday.

Born in Friedberg, Germany, on May 26, 1926, Trudy lived a life marked by resilience, warmth, and quiet strength. She was the beloved daughter of Auguste Helfrich and grew up during the turbulent years of World War II. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Albert Blacksmith, an American soldier stationed in Germany during the war. They were married in the Dankeskirche in Bad Nauheim and soon after began a new life together in the US.

Trudy was a devoted mother to her son, David Blacksmith, daughter-in-law Sheryl Blacksmith, and the proud grandmother of Krystina Olsen and Jayson Blacksmith. Her joy was multiplied with the arrival of her great-grandson, Everett Olsen.

She spent nearly four decades working at Marshalls in Bedford, MA, a place she loved and where she made lifelong friendships. Outside of work, Trudy was an avid gardener who found peace and joy in working with her hands in the dirt.  But her heart … she fell in love with the ocean.  Hampton Beach was her sanctuary, and the sun was her friend.  The sights and sounds of the ocean were her genuine companion.

She had an adventurous spirit that took her to faraway places.  She loved to travel, especially flying.  Something about the airport experience and flying across the globe made her so very happy.  She loved visiting other countries.  Many of her fondest memories were rooted in those visits.  Her top two favorite destinations … Italy and Aruba.

Trudy will be remembered as a woman of enduring strength and deep kindness … resilient on the inside, warm on the outside. She touched the lives of many with her grace, gentle humor, and quiet wisdom.

Visitation will be held at Bedford Funeral Home, 167 The Great Rd., Bedford, on Tuesday, June 3rd, at 12:00 PM, followed by a service at 1:00 PM and a graveside ceremony immediately afterward.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Trudy by planting something beautiful or spending a moment by the ocean, remembering a life well lived.