Karen Persa

Lives:  Niles

Occupation: Retired federal employee, U. S. Customs Service

Where are you from originally? Born and raised in Chicago, retired to Niles in 1998

To what organizations do you belong? Four Flags Garden Club, Four Flags Snowmobile Club, three golf leagues, various groups with St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church and the Christian Service Center Food Pantry

Education: High school graduate, fourth in the Class of January 1962 — celebrating our 50th year reunion in Chicago next month.
Two years of continuing education classes in business management.

If you weren’t doing what you do, what would you be doing? I am happy with my life just as it is!

If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it? Donate a portion to church and charities, set aside a portion for “a rainy day,” bequeath the remainder to family members

What’s something most people don’t know about you? I am a penny-pincher.

Favorite food? Chocolate in any way, shape or form

Last book you read? “Killing of Lincoln” by Bill O’Reilly — a great read, providing outstanding historical and factual information

Favorite TV show? Johnny Carson›s “Tonight Show” — “Heeeere’s Johnny!”

Where would you go on your dream vacation? Cruise the Greek Islands

Pet peeve?  People tuned into their electronic devices

Best advice you ever got and who gave it to you? My Uncle Jesse told me to get a job with the federal government. I applied while a senior in high school and had a job waiting for me three days after graduation.

I started out as a Grade (GS) 3 – Clerk Steno and retired at the age of 52 with 34 years of service as a Grade (GM) 14.  Loved every minute of my career!

What would you want on your tombstone?   She enjoyed love, life, family and friends.