Occupation: I graduated from Sacred Heart University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in teaching. I completed my master’s degree at Fairfield University shortly after. It has been five years now since my retirement. I taught in inner city Bridgeport my whole career of 34 years. The grades I taught were eighth, sixth, fourth, third, and second. The schools were Clemente, Longfellow, and Wilbur Cross. I absolutely enjoyed every moment. During the school year, I tutored students before and after school in reading comprehension and math. One of my fondest moments was reading our holiday poems and singing songs at St Vincent’s Medical Center every year. Another great memory was when my student won the governor’s Greatest Women in Connecticut History award. We visited the capitol, met Governor M. Jodi Rell, and had lunch with the runners up.

Family: Peter has been my husband for 36 years. He retired from Sikorsky/Lockhead Martin after 39 years. We have two children. Dan is 39 and also a Bridgeport teacher in grade two. He is married to Katherine, and we have two grandsons, Connor and Matthew. Our daughter Kate is 32 years old and is married to Patrick Johnson from Texas. She earned her doctorate degree in chemistry at the University of California, San Diego. She is a research scientist at Regis Technologies near Chicago. Her husband is in the Navy and is currently stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station. He is serving as a recruit division commander.

How long have you lived in Newtown? I grew up in Bridgeport and moved to Monroe when I married Pete. We moved to Newtown for several years and then back to Monroe. I always knew I wanted to come back to Newtown and we finally did. We moved back in 2005 and have been here ever since.

What do you like to do in your free time? Besides spending time with family and friends, I like to support our troops and local food banks. I purchase health and beauty items for the male and female soldiers overseas. The boxes are shipped to Afghanistan, Turkey, Iraq, and the Persian Gulf. I was informed that our troops like funny socks and shower gel. So, I make sure every box has those items. The troops also enjoy snack items — nuts, hard candy, Twizzlers, cookies, and chips. One soldier e-mailed me that crushed potato chips are better than no chips at all, so I keep sending those. If you know a soldier that would like some treats, let me know.

What types of books do you like to read? I enjoy reading biographies, memoirs, and history books. Jackie Kennedy, Patrick Swayze, and Abraham Lincoln are several I have finished.

What is your favorite travel destination? We went to Turks and Caicos during Christmas and it was beautiful and relaxing. Any island in the Caribbean that we didn’t visit yet would be great to visit.

What is the best part about Newtown? The people are the best part. I made many friends here. Also, the events for seniors and our new Senior Center is awesome. Lastly, I love the Little Theatre right here in town. I can’t wait until the new season starts in 2021.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My husband. He always makes me laugh and is always there to help others.

If you could spend a day with one person, who would you choose and why? I would love to meet Robin Meade, anchor of HLN Headline News Morning Express. Robin is funny and I love when she says, “Good morning sunshine” before she starts her show. It’s like she is saying it to me. She also has a short segment each morning called “Salute to the Troops,” which I love viewing.

Who is your favorite musical artist? I’m all over the place with this one. My favorites would be Chicago, Queen, and Elton John, because they are so theatrical. I also like John Lennon, Sam Smith, Maroon 5, and fun artists like Elvis and Bruno Mars.

Do you have a favorite TV show? House Hunters or any home show that fixes up a property to sell.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? It is more blessed to give than to receive.

What is something you cannot live without? My family, my husband’s homemade pizza, and my daughter’s wonderful laugh.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Teaching in Bridgeport. I wouldn’t have taught anywhere else in the world.