I was born and raised in Glendale. I moved to Monrovia after a short time in Tustin. I picked Monrovia because I loved the hills and the small-town feel. While I was working, I had long commutes, so I really didn’t have time to get involved in the community. After I retired, I started volunteering and met wonderful people that have become dear friends.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am an only child with cousins I am close to and dear friends that are like sisters and brothers. My life revolves around my friends and family, my love of traveling, and commitment to volunteering for organizations that serve children.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been retired for 10 years – best time of my life. I retired from a software development company where I ran the operations. The company wrote software for credit unions. So while I knew nothing about programming, I had previously worked in banks and for the Resolution Trust Corporation. It was interesting to be on the vendor side and be able to suggest products that I knew would help financial institutions. Wherever I worked, my favorite part was the people and coaching people to grow to their full potential. I am still in touch with a lot of former co-workers and enjoy catching up with them.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Sena, Bella Sera and Café on Lemon
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Moved to Monrovia in 1987
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Betty Sandford was the most interesting person I’ve met in Monrovia. She was smart, committed to Monrovia as a lifelong resident, and when she saw an issue that needed to be solved, she jumped right in to fix it. When she asked you to get involved in one of her projects, you never said no to her, as you knew it was something worthwhile. She had a love for life that was infectious. The world lost a true treasure when she passed away.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would travel back to Kenya
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
West Side Story and for TV show I would have to say the CSI franchise, as I like them all.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My best advice would be to do something you love and to find a way to give back by volunteering.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Go to Australia and New Zealand
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Abba
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The closing of Kattywompus Dollmakers and Wil’s Sport and Tackle were very sad. They were both owned by the Fitzpatrick family, who have meant so much to the City of Monrovia
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’d like to have lunch with Queen Elizabeth. I’d love to find out what she really thinks but cannot say. I think she would be fascinating to talk to, and she would enjoy having a drink at Copper Still Grill.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Monrovia is a kind and generous town that has a lot of people who are wonderful volunteers who find ways to help those in need.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to still be living in Monrovia.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m pretty shy.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Kenya
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
December is my favorite month; Christmas is my favorite holiday, and the best single day of the year is Flag Day.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Beautiful sunset.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Children – they have so much to look forward to that it makes me want to help make the world a better place for them.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Roses and chocolate
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peaceful, safe and welcoming
