Gertrude Dickinson passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, at the age of 95, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of love, service, and compassion.
Trudy was born in Astoria, Long Island, New York. Early in her life, her family moved to Pottsville, Pennsylvania, a town known for its anthracite coal mines. Graduated “Class of 49”!
She began her teaching career in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and later moved to Miami, Florida, where she went on to dedicate 47 years to education.
Trudy devoted her life to teaching, spending decades as a passionate educator and reading specialist in Dade County, Florida. Early in her career, she was selected as one of the first reading teachers in the county and later received specialized training to support children with learning disabilities, including work in a dyslexia clinic. Her impact was profound-helping countless children exceed expectations and contributing to the development of reading programs across multiple schools and the state of Florida.
Beyond the classroom, Trudy was a woman of deep faith and service. She was active in her church, served as a missionary to Venezuela and South America and gave generously of her time to her community.
Driven by her extraordinary compassion, Trudy established her own animal rescue, was a great supporter of The Horse Protection Association of Florida and dedicated her life to caring for injured and abandoned animals-from dogs and cats to all animals in need, including cows, horses, sheep, birds, and even lizards she rescued and nurtured. If a animal was mistreated or in need… Trudy was willing to step in to make a difference!
She was a strongly independent lady having been a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxillary, NRA Supporter and part of their FL state leadership group, American Legion Auxillary and even a member of the Liberty Report Publishers Committee for articles published supporting her conservative viewpoints.
Trudy had a bit of an activist side to her as well. Championing Florida water rights and Air boat noise reduction (which didn’t go over too well locally)! :)
Her wild side favorite was her 1969 Ford Mustang which we were repeatedly reminded was Burgundy… NOT Red!
She also had a creative spirit, with a love for art and music. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ and expressed herself through creativity throughout her life.
Above all, Trudy’s heart was rooted in love for her family. She cherished her daughter deeply and held those memories close, preserving them in photos and keepsakes that remained dear to her heart.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Gertrude Yakoumis; her father, Angelo Yakoumis; her brother, John Yakoumis; and her sister, Loreen.
She is survived by her daughter, Loreen Ellen Hackman; her brother, William Curtis; her nephews, William Yakoumis, George Curtis, and Greg Yakoumis; her nieces, Candace Rayfield and Yami Yakoumis; her cousins, Bertha Riley and Barbara Riley; as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Trudy will be remembered for her unwavering dedication, her generous spirit, and the countless lives she touched. Her legacy lives on in every student she helped, every life she uplifted, every heart she inspired, and every animal she rescued, nurtured, and gave a life of dignity. Her kindness, strength, and quiet resilience will never be forgotten.
A graveside service for Trudy will be held Friday, April 10, at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Humane Society of Sumpter County at: https://hsspca.org/donate/ Arrangements have been entrusted to Purcell Chapel – Beyers Funeral Home, Bushnell, FL.