Occupation: I’ve been a realtor in Newtown for 25 years. For the last seven years I’ve been with William Pitt-Sotheby’s International, where I’m surrounded by a network of great people. In guiding families and individuals in Newtown through the process of buying and selling homes, I’ve crossed paths with many wonderful folks along the way.

Family: My husband, Howie, and I have raised four children, who all went through Sandy Hook Elementary, Newtown Middle School, and Newtown High School. Our son Todd and his wife, Jen, live on the shore of Seneca Lake, N.Y. We are fortunate to have three daughters close by: Heather and her husband, Gus, live in New Milford; Bonnie and her kids, Kevin and Danielle, live in Woodbury; and Tricia and her husband, Derek, and their kids, D.J. and Jillian, are on the shores of Lake Zoar.

Pets: During the kids’ growing up years we had three very active bird dogs and various cats. For the last seven years we’ve lived with only a Prima Donna cat, Holly. At first my husband thought she was a poor substitute for a dog, but now she has him wrapped around her little paw.

How long have you lived in Newtown? We moved to Sandy Hook from lower Fairfield County 40 years ago.

What do you like to do in your free time? There’s a plaque in my kitchen that says, “Faith, Family, Friends,” and that represents the three most important qualities of my life. Gardening ranks high on the list, too. It’s my physical and mental therapy. Also, our family loves water sports, and we have two kids with lakefront property. What could be better?

Do you have a favorite flower? The hydrangea, among many. I love the deep color of the blue and the fact that it can be dried for arrangements. And it stays on the branches right into fall.

Do you have a favorite travel destination? I love cruising, anywhere and everywhere. I guess our cruises to Hawaii and the Mediterranean are my favorites. The beautiful waters and the weather and times spent with friends in the Caribbean have been great, too.

What is the best thing about Newtown? The spirit of the town, the caring and sharing of so many of its residents. We’ve been here so long it really feels like home and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

What changes have you noticed in Newtown? Well, when we first moved here my first grader had to walk half a mile on a dirt road to catch her bus; now you see parents driving their kids to the end of the driveway. I was also amused when we first moved to Sandy Hook to look in The Bee classifieds and see more horses for sale than anything else.

Do you have a hero? My heroes are the thousands of men and women in our armed forces putting their lives on the line to protect our freedom.

Do you have a personal philosophy? Strive to live life with a thankful heart. You can’t always change your circumstances, but you can change your attitude and behavior. Happiness is a choice.

Do you have a guilty pleasure? Chocolate. I prefer dark chocolate, but milk chocolate will do, too. And right now with all the Christmas gifts I received, I’m having a lot of pleasure.