Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

​

Occupation: Retired administrator, state of Tennessee Veterans and Senior Services

​

Favorite quote: "You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it however."

​

Personal motto: "You will laugh about it one day!"

​

Hobbies: Fostering cats, choral singing, flying.

​

Most cherished accomplishment: Receiving my pilot's license and pursuing aviation in the US Coast Guard.

​

Cause or passion: Rescuing animals from natural disasters. Assisting FEMA rescuing and placing animals.

​

Signature color: Sage green

​

Tradition or rule of etiquette: Treating Veterans with the respect they deserve. Walking up to a veteran and thanking him or her for their service.

​

A decision I made on instinct: to give up my house, my job, friends and family, uproot myself to Tennessee and marry my high school sweetheart. Most difficult decision I ever made but my instincts were right. 20 years of happiness before he passed.

​

A voice you carry with you from the past: Mom, of course. Be independent, do what makes you happy, never count on anyone else to get you through life.

​

What do people misunderstand about women in their 70s? That we women are in our 30s in spirit and mind, but because our bodies are wrinkled, we are considered old, tired, and unproductive.

​

A luxury you've learned to give yourself? To do exactly what I want, when I want, without scrutiny or guilt. To not worry what others think. No need to put on airs. Just be who you are!