If you were lucky enough to cross paths with Trudy Rupp over the last 35 years here at CJM, you almost certainly would remember!!  Trudy is sharp, witty, caring and just plain fun to be around.  Her smile lights up the room and her laughter warms your heart. Over those many decades, Trudy has built lasting friendships with CJM clients and her CJM colleagues, and she has helped CJM as a financial planning firm stay true to its mission of putting the clients first. Trudy has decided that the time has come to transition gracefully into retirement at the end of 2024.  As a tribute to the amazing colleague and friend that she is, we wanted to reflect on what makes her so special.

We should probably start with the loyalty and diligence it shows to work for the same firm for 35 years!!! What an amazing achievement – almost unheard of these days. Prior to joining CJM in 1989, Trudy had already established her expertise in helping others as a well-respected registered nurse for several decades. Trudy was loved by her patients, revered by her fellow nurses and feared by the doctors – you don’t mess with Trudy.  She was also a dedicated parent for years chasing her daughter Michelle’s softball adventures all over the country! Here at CJM, Trudy has made her mark in many different roles from helping as a receptionist initially, to helping CJM maintain its reporting systems, to supporting our “go paperless” initiative as one of our scanning experts, to coordinating with clients in setting up our all-important annual reviews, and much more.  In each of these roles, Trudy always showed diligence, patience and aptitude (and maybe some attitude as well ).

Trudy definitely did not abide by the mantra of “all work and no play”.  We all remember her laughter and spirit over the years…whether it was participating in full costume Halloween fun or creating hilarious moments during our in-office holiday party and gift swap. Trudy and her late husband, Jim, also endeared themselves to the CJM team over the years with weekly surprise drop-ins that included Dunkin Donuts – they really knew the way to our hearts! Last but not least, Trudy has been the inspiration (and multi-year winner) of CJM’s famous Rupp-Tilbury March Madness Basketball Bracket Tournament!

To say that we will miss her is the understatement of a lifetime. Trudy Rupp is an absolute legend in the halls (and Zoom calls) of CJM!  We truly admire her dedication to the clients, the team and the industry.  Her legacy of loyalty, laughter and love will live on for decades and hopefully inspire future team members for years to come. Thank you, Trudy – from the bottom of our hearts!  You will be greatly missed and always fondly remembered. Now, go have some more fun!!