Today, for the Women's History Month project, we are celebrating this gorgeous, sweet and kind woman
Meet, Linda Baker O'Leary, 79, mother of 3, grandmother of 6, happily retired...
Linda Baker O'Leary is 79 years old, a mother of 2 sons and 1 daughter, and grandmother of 5 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. She is the widow of Don O'Leary, whom she met and started dating at 15. They got married on June 15th, 1963, which was one week after their college graduation. They lived happily for 24 years, before Don passed away.
Her younger years influenced her towards what would be a great profession. Due to a disability of hers, she required physical therapy for her first three years. Her therapist was a army physical therapist, as the profession was just starting during WW2. This soon led to her becoming a pediatric physical therapist.
Her school career began in her hometown of Melrose, MA. She studied physical therapy at UConn, and got her masters degree at UNE in Maine.
Linda, her mother, her three children, and 4 of her grandchildren attended the same elementary school. The teacher that made the most influence in her life, Mrs. Gerring, was not only her teacher, but her mother's as well.
In the beginning, she was a visiting home care PT, but shortly entered the school system to work with students. She was the only PT in the school system, and she had many of her students from when they were 3, to their 21st birthday.
Eventually in the latter part of her career, she started teaching at Lasell College in the PTA. She enjoyed all aspects of her career, and benefitted so much from all the people she met.
Linda says that the three most memorable parts of her life (aside from being a parent, and having loving grandchildren) are:
- Taking her dad with Megan, her daughter, for a three week safari in Africa for his 85th birthday. "It was an amazing trip," she says.
- Going on a Alaskan cruise with her daughter, and her daughter telling her she was pregnant with her first baby!
- And finally being in remission after 10 years of clinical trials!
The things that are important to her are the ability to love life, friends, happiness, and walks on the beach.
Linda and her beautiful daughter Megan.
Linda started coming to Ocean Park, Maine, with her grandparents at the age of 8. Her parents, Ruth and Roy Baker, continued the tradition, and Linda, her children, and her grandchildren all love and have the experience that this "special place" is.
Another one of Linda's favorite quotes is:
"If you want to be happy, be."
Leo Tolstoy
***
Thank you, Linda, for sharing your story.
#whm #womenshistorymotnhproject #womansupportingwomen #womenempowerment
3 Comments
Mar 19, 2021, 10:43:02 PM
Shirley and Bob Malcolmson - Beautiful story about a beautiful woman. It ‘s comes from her beautiful mother and is passed on to her beautiful daughter . Love, Shirley and Bob
Mar 19, 2021, 9:37:28 AM
Nichol Radcliffe - Linda is an amazing woman, mom and grandmother! I treasure her daily! Thank you for being you!
Mar 18, 2021, 8:47:50 PM
Kathleen Farrell - Linda,You were always my Mentor.Thank you for all the love,advice and support though the years.Words can not describe you...One of the best..Thank you for John’s Birthday Cards he loves you as well.Stay well .. All My Love Kath Farrell..