Occupation: I'm a retired BS, RN. I went back to school and got my RN when I was in my 40s. I was part of that new wave of women going back for a second career. I loved it. I worked at St Mary's in Waterbury, Eagle Hill, and Danbury Hospital.

Family: I have five daughters, all Newtown High School graduates. Elizabeth is an economist and homemaker; Jane is a nurse and homemaker; Mary, who lives in Newtown, works in finance and is director of the Newtown Choral Society; Grace is a teacher; and Rebecca is a teacher and librarian. I have nine grandchildren, too.

Pets: I don't have any pets. But I do feed the birds and the squirrels.

How long have you lived in Newtown? I've lived here for a total of 30 years. I lived in Massachusetts for about 13 years, and moved back to Newtown six years ago.

What do you like to do in your free time? I love to read and I loved to garden, when the weather permits it. I grow both flowers and vegetables. I love yoga, cooking, and my family. I belong to the nonfiction book club at the C.H. Booth Library, and I'm a member of the Newtown Choral Society.

Do you have a favorite book? I just finished The Nightingale, which was wonderful. It brought tears to my eyes. Right now, I'm reading our new book club book, about Boston during the Revolutionary War.

Do you have a favorite travel destination? I've traveled a lot. I just came back from North Carolina and that was wonderful. But I'd say that stateside my favorite place is probably Maine. It has that beautiful sea coast - and lobster. I've been on two memorable overseas vacations with all of my children and their spouses. One was to Provence, France, and one was to Tuscany, in Italy. Both times we rented villas and it was just wonderful. And I went to visit Rebecca in Dubai, where she works. We rode camels and spent the night under the stars in the desert. It was beautiful.

What is the best thing about Newtown? I think it's the people I've met through church, the Senior Center, the library, and the Newtown Choral Society. We share common interests, and that makes if very special. I think, in general, people in Newtown are kind and caring.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? It would have to be my parents. I grew up in a large family of six children. We didn't have a lot but we always had fun, because of my father. He was a positive person and he loved children. We always had the biggest snow slide in the neighborhood that he would build. My parents were so caring and instilled in us the values of honesty and fairness. They lived what they thought was important, and they were supportive of all us kids.

If you had one wish, what would it be? For peace, of course. For justice and peace for all people.

Who would you choose to spend one day with? I would want to spend the day with my mother. She was a Rosy the Riveter during World War II, but always found the time to read, sew, knit, bake, and make a good home for the six children. My Dad got all the recognition because he was so much fun, but it was Mother who inspired us to greater things. She died too young, but would have been so proud to hear about my children who are all caring, well educated, and well read - things that were very important to her.

Do you have a guilty pleasure? My guilty pleasure is tapioca pudding. I love it so much, I can't make it unless I'm having company, or I'll eat it all. And I find some of the games on the Internet to be so relaxing; but I could be doing something else.