Gertrude I. Lavallee's Obituary
Trudy Lavallee, a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, passed away after a short fight with cancer on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at the age of 73 in Tucson, AZ.
Trudy was born on May 8, 1948 in Quincy, MA to Bruno and Dorcas Frances (Pierce) Ilmonen. She was baptized as an infant at 1st Presbyterian Church, Quincy, MA. Trudy graduated from Clifton High School, New Jersey in 1966 and attended Vincennes University in Indiana. She relocated with her parents to Cranston, RI and obtained employment with the Veterans Administration in Providence where she met her husband Henry “Hank” Lavallee (deceased).
In 1974, Trudy and Hank moved to Prescott, AZ where son Mark was born 3 months later. Trudy and Mark moved to Tucson in 1976 where she worked for the Arizona Department of Economic Security for 26 years, rising to the position of eligibility officer. She retired in May 2013.
Trudy had a strong work ethic, a sweet spirit and a loyal love for her son, Mark. A car accident in 1981 left Trudy with some disability, but that didn’t stop her from faithfully providing for herself and Mark. They lived together for most of the past 20 years where they took care of each other. Trudy was very grateful for Marks support and care of her.
Trudy became a follower of Jesus Christ while living in Prescott. She participated in the life of a few different churches in Prescott and Tucson before settling and becoming a member of Desert Springs Presbyterian Church (PCA) in 1997. She was committed to the church and to the Lord, active in worship, Bible Study and other church activities.
Trudy was preceded in death by her father, Bruno (d. 1997), and her mother, Dorcas (d. 1975). She is survived by her son Mark H. Lavallee, granddaughter Traci Lee Lavallee (age 23) and grandson Shadow Logan Lavallee (age 21). She is also survived by two brothers, Bruno (wife Janet) Ilmonen of Middleboro, MA, and James (wife Roung) Ilmonen of Hampton, VA, as well as her stepmother Blanche E. Ilmonen of Laconia, NH.
Additionally, she has three nieces and nephews; Robert Ilmonen of Guelph, ON Canada, Marsha Ann (husband Daniel) Marsh of Medway, MA, and James’ and Roung’s daughter Donna. She is also survived by several grand nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 10th, 2021 at Desert Springs Presbyterian Church, 1555 W Overton Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704 at 10 o’clock a.m.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." John 5:24
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