Gertrude Trudy Irene Stearns, 101 years old, of Middlebury passed away Friday, August 23, 2013 in Helen Porter Healthcare. Arrangements are under the direction of Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home. She was born March 9, 1912 in New Haven on River Road at the Nash Farm. Her parents were the late Walter and Ruby (Betts) Hanmer. Gertrude graduated from Beeman Academy in 1930 and was the oldest living alumnus at the time of her death. In October of 1932 she married Roy John Stearns who predeceased her in 1980 During their 48 years of marriage they raised three sons at their farm on Chipman Hill in Middlebury. During Gertrudes earlier years she worked at Abrams Department Store in Middlebury for 38 years always stating that it was a job she loved. Her community work included the joy of knitting for the Congregational Churchs Kids Table at their Annual Crafts Fair. She took great pride in her work with Eastern Star joining the Union Chapter #21 OES in Middlebury on 3/27/39 and was a member for 74 years. Through research she traced her heritage back to David Allen Sr. who served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War and was able to become a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution because of his service. She also was a leader in Rainbow Girls and a volunteer for RSVP. Surviving her are son Melvin and wife Linda of Lincoln, Daughters -in - Law Ginger, and Janice of Middlebury, 7 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great Great Grandchildren. A sister Fidelia Lessor and several nieces and nephews also survive her. Her husband Roy John, two sons Donald Roy, Carroll Lynn, and a daughter who died in infancy as well as her parents Walter and Ruby Hanmer and one brother and three sisters predeceased her. Special thanks for the wonderful care she received at Helen Porter Healthcare and especially for the staffs love and support during her journey. She leaves two special friends Alice Lauritsen and Marion Cartland, who were always there with love and nourishment. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday August 28, 2013 at Sanderson Ducharme Funeral Home 117 South Main Street Middlebury, VT at 2 P.M. an hour of visitation will be held from 1 P.M. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Middlebury Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Helen Porter Healthcare, 30 Porter Drive, Middlebury Vermont 05753.