Occupation: During the war, I worked at Bridgeport Brass in the chemical lab. I was a telephone operator in Newtown for SNET for many years, when the telephone company was on Main Street. I assisted Slim Dickinson, our first selectman at the time, in moving the telephone dispatch for the ambulance, police, and fire departments to Edmond Town Hall in the 1950s. I’m also a seamstress and a tailor. I was always busy.

Family: I’m the seventh of eight children, and at 92 years old, I’m the only one surviving. Both of my husbands have died. But I have lots of friends here.

Pets: I don’t have any now. I always had a cat and a dog. But when my dog, TF  — for toy fox terrier— died six years ago, I didn’t get another. He was the best companion I ever had.

How long have you lived in Newtown? I moved here in May of 1943, from New Rochelle, N.Y.

Do you have any hobbies? I collect silver spoons from all over the world. People bring them to me, and I’ve got one from each of the 50 states. I collect clear glass bells, too, and glass angels, including 12 that are the calendar year, January through December. I love anything with cardinals on it, too.

Do you have a favorite travel destination? I’ve been to California, and to Salt Lake City, Utah. I’m a Mormon, so the trip to Salt Lake City was great. I saw the temple and the tabernacle. I’ve been to Italy twice, and I liked that best, I think. It gave me a chance to speak Italian. My father and my mother’s families were from Austi, so we grew up speaking Italian.

Do you have a favorite author? Mary Higgins Clark is my favorite author. I read all of her books. Then I donate them to the library in the Community Center of Nunnawauk Meadows.

What are some of the biggest changes you have seen in Newtown? When I came here, Newtown was the cleanest little town you ever knew. There were no big drug problems, no littering, and people were respectful. Everyone spoke to you when you walked down the street. There were more volunteers for the fire department and ambulance, too. I think Newtown grew a little too fast.

What is the best thing about Newtown? I just like it. I remember a lot of good things here. The Labor Day Parade started in my very own kitchen. My husband then was a volunteer fireman, and he and a representative from each of the five fire companies got together. We invited every fire department in Connecticut, I think. The first parade in Newtown was a doozie. The Masons were there with their little cars, there were horses, floats, and drum corps. Those boys worked hard to get it started.

Do you have a personal philosophy? Be honest with yourself. Try not to lie. You’ll live better.

What do you most cherish? Life. I love my life. I’ve done a lot, and I try to live by the Good Book.