I am originally from Michigan but have lived in beautiful Colorado since 1979. I played lots of softball and worked two or three jobs before meeting my first son’s father, Mike. We had a great 5-year relationship and remained friends for years until his passing four years ago. On top of holding down the fort as a single mom and working a full-time job, I proudly coached all my son Drew’s sports. Good times. I worked a couple jobs before landing a 24-year procurement career at COBE Labs, eventually becoming Terumo BCT. I met my husband Doug at Terumo. He was a mechanical engineer and later started his own business called Byers Peak. We were married in 2001. He became a stepfather, new business owner and husband instantly. We had two boys of our own, Cameron, now 22, and Richie, now 20. Drew, now 30, had a new stepfather. We moved to Golden and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people throughout the different phases of our lives here. I continued to coach Drew in soccer and basketball, then began coaching Cameron and Richie until they reached competitive levels. Richie was honored to earn Player of the Year in Jefferson County. I participated in Golden High School’s Boys Basketball Booster Club for a couple years. I Intentionally bought a 2003 50th anniversary red convertible Corvette just so I could drive in the homecoming parade with the basketball team. The youngsters loved it when I revved the engine. Unfortunately, I was only able to share 16 fabulous years with my husband before he lost his 8-year battle with cancer in April 2017. He was a trooper, always smiling regardless of his state or how he felt. He kept us positive. I was a very successful Terumo Events chairperson for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, doubling our contributions during the time I served. I am very proud of that. I eventually retired, then went back to work to support my kids’ college expenses. I currently work a very challenging job at RTD and love it there. I am active on the ladies golf league at one of the most beautiful golf courses, Fossil Trace Golf Course. I play golf on our Red Rocks Church league as well. I stay busy by commissioning three Fantasy Football leagues, playing Poker with girlfriends, hiking, fishing, and coordinating fun things like Mah-Jongg with friends and whatever else I can think of to get people together. I host an annual Super Bowl party that never disappoints. I enjoy meeting new people and being responsible for others to create new friendships. I am so proud to live in Golden, Colorado.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career/accomplishments. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been in the procurement world for as long as I can remember. No one likes to work with the procurement department, but I somehow win my people over and make it a win, win.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants or breweries in our community?
Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza, Wrigley’s, Vice Kitchen Wine Whiskey, Ali Baba Grill, Coriander, Okinawa Sushi, Atomic Cowboy, Bonfire Burritos, Mannie & Bo’s, and New Terrain Brewing
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Since 2006
Q: What is one of your favorite hiking or biking trails?
Apex Park
Q: What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
Work less and enjoy what your community offers, friends and, of course, family. Work-life balance is a big deal. Things can change so quickly. Be grateful for every moment, and make it the best. Take care of yourself; your health is very important.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza is one of the most amazing and generous establishments. I do a lot of volunteer work, and they are always donating without hesitation. They are big community supporters.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
We are such a tight community. I have realized I have so many friends of all types. We really do stick together.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am a regular blood donor and got a hole in one at the Genesee Park Golf Club.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My boys, definitely. They blow my mind on how they have grown to be such genuine, caring, and loving young men despite what they have been through.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Home is my safe, stable place to live and love and grow with my family.