It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our esteemed Chairperson, Trudy Gepp (28/11/1966 – 06/02/2025).
Trudy was a passionate advocate for people with disabilities and a driving force behind Enhanced Lifestyles from the very beginning. As a founding member in 1990, she played a key role in shaping our unique member-governed model, ensuring that customers had a voice in the services they received. Over the past 30 years, her leadership, insight, and unwavering commitment to choice and independence have left a lasting impact on our organisation and the wider disability community.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Leadership
Trudy dedicated much of her life to supporting others and creating opportunities for people living with disabilities to live with dignity and autonomy. As a long-serving Board Member and, most recently, our Chairperson, she championed customer-led decision-making and helped steer Enhanced Lifestyles through times of growth and change.
“It’s vital that we remain member-led so that we can have our input and be in control of our own lives.” – Trudy Gepp
Her contributions extended beyond Enhanced Lifestyles. Trudy was a lifelong advocate who gave her time generously to numerous causes. She captained an electric wheelchair sporting team, successfully lobbied for inclusive facilities at Ankara Youth Camp, and dedicated over 35 years of service to SA Ambulance as a Customer Service Representative before retiring in 2020.
Her work was always rooted in compassion and a desire to help others. Whether assisting customers over the phone at SA Ambulance or mentoring children at her church, Trudy’s kindness and commitment to making a difference never wavered.
A Lifelong Commitment to Inclusion
Beyond her professional and volunteer work, Trudy lived a full and adventurous life. She loved exploring the city with her husband, Chris, travelling by tram or train to take in the sights, visit friends, or attend a show. She found great joy in her community, and those who knew her describe her as warm, giving, and an inspiration to many.
“An incredible person – she has left a lasting impression on me, as I’m sure she has on countless others.”
“A more wonderful, friendly, and giving person you couldn’t hope to meet. What a terrible loss. Go well, Trudy, in the knowledge of how much you were loved, appreciated, and admired.”
Trudy’s impact on Enhanced Lifestyles, her friends, colleagues, and the broader community is immeasurable. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and leadership will continue to shape the future of our organisation.
Our thoughts are with Trudy’s husband, Chris, her family, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
