Gertrude M. Pianko

Born on January 2, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, Trudy was the daughter of the late Michael and Ruth Baskin. She graduated from Wayne State University with a master’s degree and went on to dedicate her professional life to education, working as both a librarian and teacher. Her love of books and reading was not only a passion but also a gift she shared generously with others, inspiring countless students and friends throughout her life.

Trudy is survived by her devoted husband, Michael; her children, Rick and Lauren; her son-in-law, Jason; her cherished grandson, Asher; her loving siblings, Susan and Ron; her step-siblings, Helen, Arnold, and Lori; her nephew, Drew; and her niece, Andrea.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel in Livingston, NJ. Burial will follow at Mount Freedom Hebrew Cemetery in Randolph, NJ. Shiva will be observed at the home of Lauren and Jason Sperber, 8 Richlyn Ct., Morristown, NJ on Thursday–Friday and Sunday–Tuesday from 3:00–8:00 p.m., with a minyan daily (except Shabbat) at 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Trudy will be remembered for her warmth, her selflessness, her unconditional love for her family, and the quiet strength with which she cared for those around her. She will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Israel Cancer Research Fund or the American Library Association in her memory.