Claire Cadreact Truso, 86, of Richmond, Vermont, passed away peacefully in her home on August 12, 2025.

Born on July 24, 1939, to Harold and Rosanna Smith Cadreact, Claire was raised on a dairy farm in Milton. She spent her early years helping with farm chores and attending a one-room schoolhouse where she developed a strong work ethic and a "can-do" attitude that would define her life.

Claire knew she was meant to help others. She followed that calling into a lifelong career in nursing, dedicating herself to caring for people in their most vulnerable moments. Through her unselfish acts of service, she became a steadfast advocate for those in need. Her presence brought calm and comfort to countless patients, families, and friends.

She had an intuitive ability to anticipate the needs of others. Claire treated every person she encountered with dignity, kindness, and respect, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, grace, and unwavering care. Respected and admired by her colleagues at Fletcher Allen Hospital, she was honored in 2005 with the Paul W. Horton Award for Nursing Excellence — a reflection of her extraordinary dedication and skill.

Claire married Louis John Truso Jr., affectionately known as Bud, in 1961, and together they shared 58 wonderful years of marriage. They built a life centered on family, faith, and simple joys — like gardening — supporting each other through every season of their lives. Claire loved being with her family and took joy in the everyday acts of caring for others. She was often found cooking, cleaning, and ensuring everyone around her was taken care of.

Claire will be remembered for her quiet strength, gentle spirit, and deep devotion to her family, patients, and community. She lived each day with kindness, always doing good deeds.

She is survived by her children, John Truso, Chris (Liz) Truso, Steven (Claire) Truso, Beth (Dave) Truso, Jennifer Wefers, and Adam (Candace) Truso; and her grandchildren Daniel, Joshua, Luc, Jacob, and Benjamin; sister-in-law Kate Cadreact; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Claire was preceded in death by her siblings, Harold Cadreact, Phyllis Viets, Marjorie Cleveland, Shirley Cadreact, and David Cadreact, and her sister-in-law, Eleanor Cadreact, and her brothers-in-law, Glenn Cleveland and William Viets.

Claire was a person of deep faith, which guided her life and shaped the kindness she extended to others. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 22, at 10:00 AM at The Holy Rosary Church in Richmond. Burial will follow in Holy Rosary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Claire's memory to UVM Health Network — Home Health & Hospice.