I was born in Co. Wicklow, Ireland, the oldest of a family of three. I have two younger brothers. I grew up on a farm, but my parents moved to a smaller farm and opened a country store when I was 11. Both my brothers are married, and I have 4 nephews and 3 nieces. Nursing was my calling. My first nurses training was in Psychiatry, which I did in Dublin Ireland from age 19 - 22. Then I went to Lon don, England for my General Nurses training, Midwifery and a post graduate course in Outpatient and Emergency. I gained experience in London at a couple of different large hospitals. I was fortunate to have relatives living in London and could stay with them. I had traveled to Canada in 1967, and decided I wanted to travel more.
I came to the United States in November of 1969 to work at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. My thought was to return to London after a few years, but I became attached to Dallas, its friendly Texas people, and the warm Texas weather. I attended Richland College and Texas Women’s University in the late 70s and 80s with a view to getting a BSC in Nursing. Throughout my career I have done many different types of nursing in Dallas. The job opportunities in nursing were abundant, and each was like choosing a different career. Before retiring I spent my last 18 years working in a private psychiatric hospital. After that, I worked part time in psychiatric home care until 2021.
My interests are many, but traveling is my favorite. I have traveled a lot in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the different islands, and also several countries in Europe before coming to the United States. I love Theater, Art, Movies (Cinema) Music and Dancing in the past. Volunteering over the years kept me busy and in touch with people, I volunteered for the American Heart Association, the Cancer Society, North Texas Reading for the Blind, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Channel 13 /KERA TV. I have been a member of Toastmasters for 33 years and at one time belonged to 3 clubs. In past years I did extra work outside of my clubs for the Toastmasters International organiza tion. I have been a member of other organizations, as well. I was al ways asked to be Treasurer or Secretary. Presently I am on the Board for my Condominiums where I live. I was Secretary for 8 years until last year.
I joined the Irish American Society 30 years ago. I have served on the IAS Board twice as Secretary and assisted with other Telephone and Membership Committees in the past (before the advent of email). Usu ally, I am at all events for the Irish American Society and help out in some capacity. I am honored to receive this award from the Irish American Society as 2025 Irish Person Of The Year!
I came to the United States in November of 1969 to work at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. My thought was to return to London after a few years, but I became attached to Dallas, its friendly Texas people, and the warm Texas weather. I attended Richland College and Texas Women’s University in the late 70s and 80s with a view to getting a BSC in Nursing. Throughout my career I have done many different types of nursing in Dallas. The job opportunities in nursing were abundant, and each was like choosing a different career. Before retiring I spent my last 18 years working in a private psychiatric hospital. After that, I worked part time in psychiatric home care until 2021.
My interests are many, but traveling is my favorite. I have traveled a lot in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the different islands, and also several countries in Europe before coming to the United States. I love Theater, Art, Movies (Cinema) Music and Dancing in the past. Volunteering over the years kept me busy and in touch with people, I volunteered for the American Heart Association, the Cancer Society, North Texas Reading for the Blind, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Channel 13 /KERA TV. I have been a member of Toastmasters for 33 years and at one time belonged to 3 clubs. In past years I did extra work outside of my clubs for the Toastmasters International organiza tion. I have been a member of other organizations, as well. I was al ways asked to be Treasurer or Secretary. Presently I am on the Board for my Condominiums where I live. I was Secretary for 8 years until last year.
I joined the Irish American Society 30 years ago. I have served on the IAS Board twice as Secretary and assisted with other Telephone and Membership Committees in the past (before the advent of email). Usu ally, I am at all events for the Irish American Society and help out in some capacity. I am honored to receive this award from the Irish American Society as 2025 Irish Person Of The Year!
