A special education administrative assistant to psychologists and related services in elementary education for  20 years, I rekindled my love of writing in 1991 (at the tender age of 55). With a background in the performing arts, I first chose to  write about my true passion - the cinema; specifically, actress Maureen O'Hara. Having long been  intrigued with the many dimensions of the spirited Ms. O'Hara, I began research on her life and career that has been ongoing for over fifteen years.  My initial research evolved into a website in 1995.  It was a great media to share my findings and would eventually  became Ms. O'Hara's "official website" thanks to her support and that of her brother, producer Charles B. FitzSimons.

 I have published numerous articles on Maureen O'Hara in nostalgia magazines and Irish periodicals.  A particularly fun project was an assignment to write comprehensive synopsis of  "The Quiet Man" for the 1997 Autumn Edition of the former posh Irish Diaspora magazine, "The World of Hibernia"  (which included behind the scenes stories of  that film).  My most current writing credit is a spotlight article about Maureen O'Hara in "Cowboys and Indians" magazine - June 2003 issue.  I have also had a feature article on Maureen published in Cowboys and Indians Magazine - June 2003 issue, and a sidebar on Maureen O'Hara in that same magazine in their Special Collector's Edition paying a centennial tribute to John Wayne  - July 2007.
 

A three-week visit to Ireland in June/July of 1999 expanded my "Irishness" even more when given a fantastic tour of the many TQM film sites by Prof. Des McHale of Cork University, and Paddy McCormick, graphic artist - topped off with a visit with Maureen O'Hara in Glengarriff. Professor McHale is author of "The Complete Guide to The Quiet Man" - published in October of 2000. Another website visitor and O'Hara fan, Liam Bluett, of Nortel Networks in Galway hosted me on a tour of that area.  Another highlight  in my research was being asked to contribute archival material, photos, and be interviewed on camera for Van Ness Films for "A & E Biography" of Maureen O'Hara in 1999. During this last decade it has also been my pleasure to personally interview Harry Carey, Jr., Anna Lee, John Agar, Charles FitzSimons and Paul Keyes, Producer.

What a treat it is to be able to assist networks and organizations like American Movie Classics, Turner Classic Movies, Disney/Buena Vista, CNN-Larry King Live, CBS,  New England Air Museum, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Marymount College, The Immigration Law Foundation, Heartland Movie Film Festival; and publications: Aviation & Business Journal, Irish Voice, Irish American, Irish Connections, Desert Shamrock, Irish Eyes.

I also enjoy writing about my family and surprised myself by winning an awards for an essay about my beloved mother, and my five children. It has been an adventure that is highlighted by the composition of this  website dedicated to Maureen O'Hara. My favorite motto has always been a motivating factor in this little adventure of the past years. "To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream - Not only plan, but also believe." (Anatole France).  I truly feel that a strong "belief," coupled with effort, is possibly the most important part of this formula.  The animated film "An American Tale" has a great tune called "Never Say Never" with a lyrical phrasing that includes the words, "....Hope for the best, and work for the rest." Well dear friends, I'm still working, and still hoping and thoroughly enjoying the adventure along the way.

Thanks you Ms. O'Hara for your friendship and support of my efforts .

June
 

Mom-2002

"Dear Hearts and Gentle People" - An essay I wrote and published in  the Ashton Gazette - Dec. 2003,  on my nostalgic return to my home town in the village of Ashton, Illinois -  Lots of memories there.