MORRISTOWN: Hannah B. Gilbert is a fixture in the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. A fixture with a simple modus operandi.

Keep it positive.

"I'm not grouchy. I like to make people laugh. Walking around all day with a glum face, that brings people down," she said. "What's that saying? Smile and the world smiles with you."

By the numbers, she has two grown children and two great-grandchildren. She has worked for five different prosecutors, has nearly 20 years under her belt in the prosecutor's office and has officially been smiling 84 years as of today, which happens to be her birthday. For that, the office is recognizing her with a certificate from Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi.

"She typifies the type of character and professionalism we should all strive for," Bianchi said.

Her co-workers said she deserves the spotlight.

"Hannah Gilbert is a special and unique woman with an inspiring, positive attitude and an 'old world' work ethic deserving of gratitude and recognition. Hannah's life is an amazing story of events and experiences which illustrate the human spirit at its finest hour," said Sheila Leary, the office's director of Administration and Policy.

Hannah Gilbert has dealt with tragedy in a unique way. In high school, she was known for her fantastic sense of humor. The only daughter of a Clifton candy store owner has survived the deaths of two of three brothers as well as her husband of 54 years, Sy. "She's faced loss with character and a belief," Leary said. "She believes that whatever comes her way, she can handle it."

Co-worker Peggy Volker agrees. "In the journey that life has given her, she has taken the high road and has faces whatever comes her way with perseverance."

Charlene Pampalone, who sits next to Hannah, said, "She has a great outlook on life. A lot of people are pessimistic. She isn't."

Hannah started working for the prosecutor's office as a temp when Lee Trumbull was prosecutor. Mike Murphy, John Dangler and Michael M. Rubbinaccio followed as her clerk duties changed.

"It's a fantastic place to work and a wonderful career," she said. "What they do here is very noble."