I married George Vogel, a 1960 graduate of John McDonogh High, 12 days after our graduation from Nicholls. He's still the love of my life.

I went to work for American Telephone Company in July 1961, where I worked until the birth of our daughter, Kim, in 1965. During a somewhat extended maternity leave (13 years) our sons, George, Jr. and Steven, were born in 1966 and 1975, respectively. When I found my way back to the work force it was with the Archdiocese of New Orleans as a manager at Holy Angels. After four years there, I was promoted to marketing and administrative supervisor where I remained for 26 years. My retirement after 30 years with the Archdiocese was because of Hurricane Katrina

We had lived in New Orleans until 1974 before moving to Chalmette. Katrina ended that, too, when we lost our home in floodwaters. That tragedy turned into a blessing when we moved to Covington, which our four grandchildren—Drew, 17; Paige, 15; Stevie, 6; and Remi, 3—also call home.

George retired in 2004, but while he worked, his job required travel, and we were able to see to many places in the United State and in Europe. My hobbies now—other than caring for my family—are visiting the casinos, cooking, gardening, and decorating. I also hope to take art classes in 2009.