Back in June of 2017, “06880” introduced a new feature.
“Unsung Heroes” pledged to honor “amazing people who never get shout-outs.”
I explained: “Store clerks, bank tellers, baristas. Cleaning ladies, volunteers, neighbors. Their list is probably a lot longer than the one of all the great men and women everyone always thanks.”
Every Wednesday, I said, “our unsung heroes will have their praises sung.”
Our inaugural Unsung Hero — the very first of 396 (and counting) — was Trudy Lynch.
Alert — and grateful — “06880” reader Chris Swan nominated her. He said:
Trudy Lynch has been our USPS carrier for many years. But since I retired 4 years ago, I’ve gotten to know her very well.
Though morale at the Post Office seems to have gotten very low, Trudy always smiles and tries to raise her coworkers’ spirits.
Trudy Lynch and Chris Swan.
She often stops her truck and walks up to drop off mail, as opposed to stuffing it in the box on the street. She is not your typical government employee.
Just today, she delivered (another) Amazon box. Her smile was so contagious, she gave us a real lift.
My wife Carol wondered how many people actually know their carrier’s name?
So we took her picture to send your way in recognition of this terrific employee, serving our community tirelessly day in and out.
In the 8 years since, Chris and Carol moved away. They moved back. (Unfortunately, not on Trudy’s route.)
Through it all — during good weather and bad, COVID and recovery, an influx of residents, and an increase in traffic and rude drivers — Trudy kept delivering mail. She kept inspiring her coworkers and mail customers. She kept smiling.
But to everything there is a season. Trudy is now looking forward to a new one.
She’s retiring from the US Postal Service. But her many friends along her route did not let her go without a sendoff.
On Thursday — her last day — they decorated their mailboxes, in a Trudy tribute.
Two of the many mailboxes decorated to honor Trudy Lynch … (Photo/Mikayla Doyle)
“We have become so close with Trudy over the years. Obviously, she made an incredible impression on so many people along her route,” says Mikayla Doyle, who let “06880” know about this moment.
“We are all sad to see her go. We will miss her beautiful smile, but are excited for her new journey. Happy days, Trudy!”
… and one more. (Photo/Mike Hibbard)
The retirement of a postal carrier is normally not Big News.
Yet people like Trudy are special. They make the rest of us feel better, about ourselves and the world.
News does not always have to be big. Sometimes, it’s the little news that’s most important.
So today, “06880” looks back fondly — and with renewed appreciation — at our very first Unsung Hero.
The fact that today is Labor Day — a holiday we’ve come to see as just nice time off, rather than a time to honor all the workers who make our world go ’round — is just icing on Trudy’s retirement cake.
We were fortunate to have had Trudy as our USPS carrier at two different homes in town. Neither snow nor rain nor sleet impacted Trudy’s upbeat attitude. Happy retirement!
Thank you all for the love and encouragement, it’s because of my wonderful customers, I was able to deliver the mail and packages with a SMILE!
Trudy!!! We miss your beautiful face so much!! Thank you for making our days brighter! Xo
Trudy, goodluck! Thank you for all the years of your smile and kindness!
Trudy – we loved seeing the shout out to you today in 06880 Happy retirement & all the best to you – Chris & Carol Swan ( we remember that day we took that photo )
Trudy went above and beyond. We will miss her.!!
Trudy!!! Thanks for writing this Dan! We moved last year, and miss Trudy so much! If you are reading this Trudy, I hope you enjoy your retirement and your beautiful grandkids!
We lucked out, and have Laura Lally as our new mail carrier, she is really really nice, and welcomed us from the start!
I was lucky enough to have Trudy as my mail carrier. My dog, Dora, loved her (and her treats!)..Happy trails Trudy!..
Trudy is the best! Happy retirement!
And all Trudy’s friend at The Saugatuck had a retirement party for her on August 21, which was well attended by our residents who have gotten to know Trudy over the years.
Trudy is one of a kind. Wishing you all the best in your retirement Trudy, you deserve every long moment of it.
Trudy!!! Thanks for writing this Dan! We moved last year, and miss Trudy so much! If you are reading this Trudy, I hope you enjoy your retirement and your beautiful grandkids!
We lucked out, and have Laura Lally as our new mail carrier, she is really really nice, and welcomed us from the start!
Trudy has been a great neighborhood friend ! So friendly and always with a smile and asking about me and my family . we will miss you Trudy ! enjoy your retirement and your family now!
My dear Trudy. I know we will be together again so this is not goodbye. Have fun down South & smooch littke Kalix for me!