Occupation: I’m a retired professor of chemistry from WestConn. I taught there for 25 years, starting in the 1980s until 2003. I still teach one day a week at WestConn, the chemistry course required by nursing students.

Family: My husband, Jack, and I have a lot of nieces and nephews, many who are now grown up and have children of their own. We’re very lucky to have family on both sides we are close to.

How long have you lived in Newtown? We’ve lived here for 29 years. I’m originally from New Hampshire, and went to school there and in Philadelphia. Then I moved to the Washington, D.C., area, and Jack and I were married there. We moved to Connecticut in 1978 and moved here from Bridgeport.

What do you like to do in your free time? I’m the treasurer for the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library, and have been a member for four years. I stared out sorting and pricing the science and math books for the book sale. That keeps me busy. I’m a member of St Rose and active there in the women’s club, and I’m a Eucharistic minister. One of the other things I do is volunteer with the Science Horizons regional science fair for grades 7 to 12, which is at WestConn this year. I’m on the planning committee, and I’m also a judge. I’ve been attending Julie Stern’s book discussion group at the library. The books are usually selected around a particular theme. Last fall, it was a set of seafaring books. It’s interesting.

Do you have a favorite book? I enjoy mysteries, to relax. I like books by Michael Connelly and by Robert Parker.

Do you have a favorite travel destination? We do like to travel. Each year we try to take a trip someplace different. My two sisters usually travel with us. Three years ago we did a cruise/land tour to Alaska. It was just spectacular. The St Rose choir did a tour of Italy six years ago, and Jack sings with the choir. Spouses were invited to go along and that trip was just great.

What is the best thing about Newtown? I think I’ll echo many when I say that our neighborhood and the friends we’ve made in Newtown are wonderful. And Main Street in Newtown makes a positive impression on people passing through. It’s beautiful, and we have enjoyed living here.

Who has been the greatest influence on your life? Personally, my two sisters and I are very close and we’ve maintained a close friendship. They are a big support to me. In my professional life, I’d say my colleagues in the chemistry department at WestConn were a positive influence on me. And my husband is a strong influence on me, in our relationship.

Do you have a personal philosophy? I try to have a positive attitude toward life, and respect others. I try to live by the principles of my Catholic faith.

Do you have a guilty pleasure? I have two guilty pleasures. One is good, dark chocolate, which I love. And Starbucks coffee, which I can’t enjoy too often. But when I want a good cup of coffee, I go to Starbucks. Their special flavors around the holidays are delicious.