The Illinois woman knew on Dec. 18, the winning lottery ticket she held would change her life.
On March 19, she was claiming an oversized check from the state and answering questions from news media.
That the winner picked up the $81.5 million prize, her half of a $163 million Mega Millions jackpot drawing, is a big deal.
That it took three months is a rarity. She spent the time to work with lawyers and financial advisers to maintain anonymity and protect assets — something the state lottery agency wants other potential winners to note.
Sporting large sunglasses, the winner, a pharmacist, came forward, but she refused to provide her name or where she lived. An occasional player, she bought the winning ticket at a gas station at 851 S. Sutton Rd. in Streamwood.
"I came back home. My husband said, 'Let me check your ticket,' " she said. A quick confirmation through an Internet site and the two were screaming in delight. "It was a shocking moment."
Awesome story about a smart lady - congrats!
I wonder if that's a wig...
Much more responsible than those others who recently claimed winnings within days of winning. Hats off to people who use their heads!
Congrats to her! It looks like she really did her homework.
Very smart lady. This is something that I said I would do when I WIN big but now, seeing that someone really did it, I know that I am really on to something. Maybe it is fate or something. I'm Next!
Very smart indeed...! Potential winners could learn a lot from this lady...
Congrats to her and the family.
I saw this on the 9pm news on WGN last night and wondered if it was gonna be on this website today.A very,very smart lady,indeed.
I wonder if the winner of the January 16th (?) Powerball drawing in Louisiana is doing the same thing.
I wonder if they took 1/3 of her winnings.
Very smart and responsible lady. I am very happy for her.
Very, very smart move. She had a good make-up artist too. I think the nose and the chin were fake, but the smile was real. Congratulations!!!
I can't tell from this angle....if it were a frontal view I could tell better. She may have extensions...lol...for added fullness.
Now I feel like she's an LP FAMILY MEMBER if she's not a member she is indeed the spouse of a member. She has exhibited some strong LP family member traits ya'll.
NOW THAT'S APPLYING WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED!!!!!
Looks like a wig to me! LOL
I think i'd go into hiding and form my dream team.
o....sorry .......and congrats to the lucky lady .....wtg
but it could be a guy in drag ......that would really throw everyone off