Occupation: I am happily retired. I’ve done a number of things. My husband and I had an upholstery business for a little while and did automotive and marine, we didn’t do furniture; and we did landscaping. I had a cleaning business, Betty’s Cleaning, for 25 years. I was a waitress in the Danbury Hospital coffee shop. I also worked at the Shell gas station a long time ago.

Family: My husband, Richard, and I are a combined family. Together we have five kids — three are in Maine, one is in Newtown, and one is in South Carolina. We have five grandchildren — one is in Maine, two are in Connecticut, and two are in South Carolina.

Pets: We have a 9-year-old cat, Sherman. We got Sherman when our youngest granddaughter was born.

How long have you lived in Newtown? I’m from Blountville, Tennessee, but I’ve been living in Newtown on and off for 59 years. I came up here when my son was about five months old, moved to Pennsylvania, came back, moved to Kentucky, came back, moved to South Carolina, then came back. I’m staying now. This is where my heart is happiest.

What do you like to do in your free time? I like to help people. I volunteer at FAITH Food Pantry, and I volunteer with FISH. I quilt and love making memory quilts. I also like to do rock painting. I enjoy life.

What is your favorite travel destination? We had a great time up in Alaska, and I love going on cruises. We’ve done cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean, the Bahamas. I also loved going to Hawaii. When I was there, I did a marathon for American Diabetes. Our son, Eric, is diabetic, and our granddaughter, Kylie, is diabetic, so I did it in their honor.

What is the best part about Newtown? My church — the Newtown United Methodist Church — and the people. Richard and I got married at Newtown United Methodist Church; that’s also where our two granddaughters were baptized and where my son got married.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? God; my husband, Richard; and my mom, Verta (for a number of years, she went by “Vertie”).

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? God; Richard; my mom; and my cousin Lou, who passed away.

Who is your favorite musical artist? Elvis. There is no doubt. I love his gospel especially. I have the same birthday as him — January 8 — but a different year. I love country music, as well.

Do you have a favorite TV show? I don’t really watch TV, but I will watch Family Feud, America’s Got Talent, and Chopped.

What is your favorite food? I like pasta with chicken. Also, biscuits and gravy.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? Enjoy life, be kind to others, and help people when you can. You’ve got to pass it on. My mom instilled those lessons in me.

What is something you cannot live without? My faith and my family. Faith is a big part of who I am.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Doing the marathon in Hawaii and being with Richard. He’s a really important piece of my life.