West Haven High School Custodian Wins Top Prize On CT Lottery

WEST HAVEN, CT — Longtime West Haven High School custodian Patty Brown, 73, recently won the $25,000 top prize on a Connecticut Lottery game and told lottery officials that she plans to finally buy a new recliner to replace her “terrible” one with the winnings. She will also share some of the prize with her family. After 38 years on the job, Brown told Lottery officials that she truly enjoys what she does every day.

"It's the kids. I just love the kids,” Brown said. “I look forward going to work every day, just to see them."

After work, Brown finds her enjoyment playing CT Lottery scratch games. One of her favorites is "Cashword," which is similar in style to a crossword puzzle. Those who enjoy the extended style of play build prizes upon how many words are made as the play is completed.

“When I play [Cashword], it relaxes me," Brown said. "For $3, I can play for quite a while, and it's a lot of fun."

Instead of relaxation, Brown encountered some excitement last week while playing the game's newest edition, Cashword 26.

"I was counting each word as I went along… and writing them down on a piece of paper, and checking all the letters,” she told lottery officials. “I counted, one by one, until I realized I got 10 words. Ten words is $25,000. I couldn't believe it.

“I called and told my son that I won, and then I put the ticket in a safe. Two hours later, I took the ticket out and checked it. Later on, when I couldn't sleep, I took it back out of the safe, and did it all over again. I even did the same thing the next morning."

Last week, the 73-year-old grandmother arrived at CT Lottery Headquarters in Rocky Hill to claim her $25,000 top prize. Brown was accompanied by her son, who had nothing but kind words to say about his mother's good nature and generosity towards others.

"Now, don't make me out to be a saint," Brown said with a laugh.

When asked what she planned to do with her prize, it appeared that Brown surprised even herself with her response. "You know what? I think I can finally buy a new recliner, mine is terrible. I'll also share some of the prize with my family."

For selling the top prize winning ticket, Grillo's Market, located at 137 Campbell Avenue in West Haven, will receive a $250 bonus from the CT Lottery.

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Photo and article via the CT Lottery