Shirley Fay

I especially thanked God for food stamps

Name: Shirley Fay

Age: 60

Family: Two sons, one daughter, two granddaughters

City of residence: Rancho Tehama

Occupation: Corning Healthcare District manager, pastoral counselor

You aspire to be...: A caring, authentic person

Where do you get your news? Newspaper and Internet

Hobbies, interests: Reading, singing, going on walks, exercising at the Fountain of Health

Tell us about a life-changing experience: Suddenly finding myself a single mother of three taught me a lot about compassion, inventive meals and money-saving tips, and that God indeed never leaves you without strength to succeed. I especially thanked God for food stamps.

What is something unique about you? I used to do ventriloquism. Quit when my husband caught me putting words in his mouth. Just kidding.

Whom do you most admire and why? A mentor I had when getting my Ph.D. She is one of the most authentic and kind women I know. She experienced sexual abuse as a junior high student and learned not to be bitter while still setting boundaries.

What brought your family to this area? We moved here to be near my parents and to assist them when we can. They are in their mid-80s.

What's your guilty pleasure? Sugar free chocolate and a cup of House of Brew's coffee.

Favorite places to go in the area? House of Brews; Denny's, I love their French toast; Olive Pit; Hometown Café, their apple cranberry salad is out of this world; and the local nursery.

What is the best advice you have ever received? Keep short accounts with God.

Most embarrassing moment: I had a crush on a guy in college. I arrived late to his birthday party, sat down in a rocking chair at the front of the room. Just as the hostess yelled, "Don't lean back …" I fell backwards, feet up In the air with my skirt over my head.

If you were going to donate time/money locally, where would it go towards? Corning Christian Assistance

Favorite food: French toast with melted butter and sugar free syrup, don't tell Patty Fountain, owner of Fountain of Health. Tell her it's vegetables.

Closest you've been to a famous person: Met Oprah Winfrey. She introduced me to the head host of the Neiman Marcus Fashion Show.

Favorite musical group and why: "Mannheim Steamroller," beautiful harmonies and music.

Favorite movie and why: "Moonstruck." I enjoy its tongue-in-cheek humor.

Contact Cindy Monroe at 824-5464 or cmonroe@tcnpress.com.