She graduated from Georgetown Law in 1961 and was admitted to the Maryland Bar that fall. After practicing law in Annapolis for many years, she moved her office to her home, "Evergreen" in southern Anne Arundel County. She is the widow of The Honorable James C. Cawood, Jr. who was on the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County for many years. Mrs. Cawood and her husband have seven children and 12 grandchildren. She is a registered Democrat.