Eureka woman achieves royalty status

Rosemary Pfaff of Eureka changed her life and health by losing 73.6 pounds, earning the title of 2023 Queen for Montana from TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds SensiblySM), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization. 

Pfaff, honored last spring at the Montana state recognition event, lost more weight than any other TOPS female member in the state and reached her goal weight.

TOPS provides an individual approach to weight loss and overall wellness. Consistent group support, health education, and recognition are key to successful weight management. During 2023, TOPS Montana members lost a cumulative 2,118 pounds.

A resident of Eureka for 26 years and a member of TOPS #210 in Eureka for 15 years, Pfaff said she learned how to cook when she married. “Everyone loved my food, and more compliments brought more food,” she said. “What comes with that? The pounds! As my recipe knowledge grew, so did my size.”

In 1998, Pfaff moved to Montana to retire with her husband, who unexpectedly passed away soon after. Being new to the area, and now cooking for just one, her eating and cooking habits changed to junk food, which added more pounds.

In 2009, she and a friend found a local TOPS group. Not long after joining, Pfaff became co-leader, then leader, and chapter queen. “My TOPS friends soon became like family to me,” she said.

“Staying on a diet, counting calories, food journaling, and restricting foods has never worked for me,” Pfaff said. “I found eating what I wanted, but in smaller portions, was the key. It took me 14 years to lose 73.6 pounds and reach my goal.”

Pfaff said her TOPS family kept her motivated to continue the journey, “They are kind, thoughtful, and offer support when needed,” she said. “I am so proud to have reached my goal, and I’m thankful to my TOPS family. Becoming the Montana state queen is one of my proudest moments.”

Founded in 1948, TOPS, the only nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss organization of its kind, promotes successful weight management with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.®” philosophy that combines support from others at weekly chapter meetings, healthy eating, regular exercise, and wellness information.

Today there are about 65,000 members who join chapter meetings in-person or online, with thousands of chapters in all 50 states and across Canada. Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. Membership is affordable, starting at $70 per year in the U.S., plus nominal chapter fees. Visit www.tops.org, or call 800-932-8677 to learn more about TOPS and to find a local chapter.