How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
I first attended as a snow bird in 2003. I remember that everyone was very friendly and it just felt right. I’ve never worshiped anywhere else in Tucson.

I’ve made some of my closest friends in Tucson at Saint Philip’s. The church is as much a source of friendship, as it is a place to worship.

Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I wasn’t but by the time I went to college I decided that I felt most comfortable in the Episcopal Church. It felt right.

When you look back at your life, is there a theme that emerges?
I’ve been very lucky to be in the right place at the right time—on multiple occasions. I’ve had a lot of assistance throughout my life.

What’s an example of that?
I was a judge in the federal system. I ruled on what’s called subject matter jurisdiction and rode circuit throughout the United States and its territories.

I was the youngest in the system when I was appointed at 31. It’s a lifetime appointment but I retired after 26 years—when I was 57 years old.

How did you become a judge?
I was a trial lawyer in Washington, DC, and a colleague said that I needed to speak with him about a position he wanted me to consider. He said that as I knew the federal rules inside and out he thought I’d be good for a new judgeship that had been created.

I was a bit bored with what I was doing at the time, so agreed to try it. By the end of that day I had a new job! (I gave myself six months but knew after four weeks it was a perfect fit.)

You were only 31 and a woman. How were you treated?
I was called “the girl judge” behind my back. And on a very large, complicated banking case in California, the attorneys tried to get me removed because of my age. But they were told that if they wanted a person who knew the rules of evidence and was comfortable in a courtroom, then I was the judge they wanted.

How have you been involved at Saint Philip’s?
I’ve volunteered in different ways over the years. I was on the Board for the After-School Music Program. For a short while I was a formation leader with the high school kids. I also used to be a lector, and read when the Presiding Bishop visited Tucson. That was a great honor.

Last Spring I completed a six-year term on the Ministry Endowment Fund Trust (MEFT). And in October I oversaw the Bishop’s Luncheon during the Diocesan Convention.

What’s something you’re proud of?
I’m proud of being a professional role model—particularly for young women. During my time on the bench I encouraged young women as much as I was permitted so that they could realize their abilities and fulfill their dreams.

What’s something you’re passionate about?
The Arizona Opera. I’ve been on the Board since 2009. This year we’ve experimented with bringing opera to people who don’t usually attend. We’ve held free (or almost free) events at the Zoo and the Miniature Museum. A version of a Mozart opera was held outdoors at Tohono Chul that was really terrific, too.

And I’ve run the Opera Feasts program for over 15 years. Volunteers host dinners that reflect an opera’s theme. The hosts donate all the costs so Arizona Opera receives 100% of the proceeds raised.

What’s something you find challenging?
Right now I find it challenging not to procrastinate. I was much more efficient when I worked. I think my procrastination stems from not having so much to do. But it also feels like a privilege of retirement. Or perhaps it’s a temptation….

What’s something you know now that your younger self didn’t?
That most things will work out in the end so don’t get too upset or too distracted by something. Distractions and being upset don’t get you where you want to be.

What’s one of your core values?
Loyalty. I am a loyal person. If I no longer feel that I can support somebody or something it’s usually because something really bad has happened.

I also think it’s important to do things to help others and to give back. Being a taker isn’t a good thing.

What’s one of your guiding principles?
I’m an optimist—which means I’m hopeful. And if I’m hopeful, then that means I’m not negative…which I think creates distrust.

I’m a surprisingly trustful person despite my years on the bench. Being able to see the good in people is much more enjoyable than the alternative.

I believe your prayers reflect that mindset, too, don’t they?
They do. Most of my prayers are about giving thanks. Even during difficult times, showing gratitude for what I’ve been given gives me a lot of solace and a great feeling of connection to what I can’t see.

What role has faith played in your life?
I’m comfortable and it’s important to give thanks and ask for things. I may ask for help for a friend to get through a medical situation but I also give thanks for what I’ve been given and what I have. It’s important to give thanks. I do that in my prayer, as well.

What’s something new in your life?
I’m learning to say no. I’ve had to realize that I don’t do well when I take on too many things. And saying yes just because I’m uncomfortable saying no creates a real burden for myself.

A consequence of saying no is that I can say yes to those things I want to give my full attention and energy to.

What’s something you’re grateful for?
I’m grateful for the family I had. I never doubted the unconditional love of my parents.

I was especially close to my mother but my father fully supported my desire to go to law school. I lived in New Orleans at the time (where that wasn’t the norm) but he never said I shouldn’t pursue the law. He was very proud of me.

What’s one of your super powers?
I remain very calm during times of stress. I think that’s rooted in my faith.

What’s something about you that friends have said they really appreciate?
My loyalty.

What’s something you haven’t done yet that you’d still like to do?
At the top of my bucket list is to see the Northern Lights—and I’ll do that next year. My step-daughter Mitzi and I will celebrate my 80th birthday with a cruise that will take us to the most northern of the Norwegian fjords.

What’s a fun fact about you?
I clerked in the Office of the District Attorney of New Orleans leading up to the case about the murder of John F. Kennedy. I worked on that case.

A version of the job I did is in the movie JFK that Oliver Stone directed.