Synopsis

Marie was born a girl. That was only her first mistake, according to her father.

In an era when daughters and wives are not supposed to be concerned with matters outside the home, Marie is determined to prove him wrong. To do this, she must break down barriers placed on women in society, overcome difficulties that befall her, surpass hardships from the Great Depression, and then face an inevitable relocation.

Marie steps into her community and into the hearts of many people to give her time and help with their needs. She wants nothing in return other than her father’s acceptance as a worthy woman and yet, she gains much in return, even if it is not her father’s praise. This is Marie’s story—of a rise from her girlhood angsts to become a leading lady—and much more.

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Advanced Praise for Marie Conner, A Leading Lady

“Wow, this book is such a delight! It tells the incredible story of Marie Conner, an amazing woman whose life had me hooked from the very start. As a businesswoman and community volunteer in Lebanon, Oregon, I felt a real connection to her journey. I recognized names that begat generations of hard working, generous people.

Marie’s blend of business savvy and commitment to helping others is truly inspiring. The author does a fantastic job of painting a vivid picture of Marie’s day-to-day life, making you feel like you’re right there with her, experiencing all the ups and downs. This book is a beautiful reminder of how one person can make a difference, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves stories about community spirit and dedication. Definitely worth a read!”

Jennifer Stewart Grove
Outreach Director of The Oaks at Lebanon Retirement Community
Entertainment Chair of the Lebanon Strawberry Festival
Woman of the Year, 2019, Lebanon, Oregon.

Excerpt

Chapter 8

“To Follow Life’s Lead”

Marie stood poised and sported a houndstooth dress with an ascot scarf that flowed and dropped perfectly just below her neckline. Her polite smile, accentuated by red lipstick with rounded corners, conveyed a benevolent charm as she welcomed guests to a teacher’s reception on Thursday evening, September 16. Parents and PTA members showed up in a record-breaking attendance to meet sixty-three teachers in the south wing of Lebanon High School. Parents were handed name tags to pin on their suit jackets, and teachers wore corsages.

Marie greeted each person as they walked in, and the total in attendance numbered more than two hundred. Once everyone was seated comfortably in the high school’s Little Theater, Marie stepped up to the podium and introduced herself as the 1948—49 PTA president. Her attentive audience listened as she next introduced the superintendent of the Lebanon schools, Mr. James King.

Mr. King’s speech emphasized the student population growth. They now had 950 grade school students, up from the previous year’s 622. The high school was no exception in that it had increased to 1,620 students. He also gave mention to Green Acres School, which would soon open. With an expressed appreciation for all that the PTA was doing, Mr. King recognized that they had their hands full. In all plausibility, Marie held her head high and nodded with a can-do-attitude.

It was a tall order, but she had successfully led a Red Cross fund drive as residential chairman and had managed the unit’s finances with the American Legion. She was accustomed to organizing events and assuming responsibilities. She knew that this PTA presidential term would experience many firsts in their membership pool. They now had room mother presidents not only in the two grade schools but also in the high school, along with a greater number of committees and chairman positions. And, as Mr. King had said, another grade school would open later that school year, which meant even more room mothers for Marie and her officers to lead. She knew she could lead the PTA. If only her father could also have known that.

About the Author

Elle Mott writes creative nonfiction. This is her third book. She is the author of “Out of Chaos: A Memoir” and “People Helping People.” Her other writing pieces have been featured in literary journals, news magazines, and anthologies. She has a background working in libraries, both at the college level and, for more than ten years, at the public library in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. While library work is her livelihood, writing is her passion. Elle grew up in Oregon and now makes her home in the suburbs of northern Kentucky with two cats and several pet birds.

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