What People Are Saying about The Duchess of Bay State

I am so thankful for the wonderful comments regarding the article about my Irish grandmother that was published in the Senior Beacon March issue. The feedback I’ve received has been astonishing!  Of course, my family members loved the piece – but that was expected. However, the responses in the form of e-mails, phone calls and comments on AuthorsDen (where I posted info about the front page Senior Beacon article) came not just from Pueblo, Colorado.  I also heard from readers in San Francisco, San Diego, Philadelphia, Lubbock (Texas), Maine, New York, Rhode Island, Alabama, Australia, Canada and Wales!

Below are the reactions received so far.

I absolutely love this story. Strong women like your grandmother are huge role models for women all over the world. Thank you for sharing your story. I envision it being made into a musical film with your grandmother's radiant black hair being one of the highlights of the movie. Her determination will remain with me forever and l will use it when I need extra strength! --- Judy Joy Jones

What a wonderful story! Even better because it's true. It's obvious that you get some of your drive from your grandmother. I am amazed with what she accomplished. Your story proves how immigration made our country great and continues to make our country greater. --- Ronald Hull

Your Grandma is a shining example of female empowerment --- Eva Pasco

What a story! And what a woman! I’m amazed. It was like watching a great documentary. --- Vera Ulea

Oh my goodness what a wonderful story! So fun and what a great time you had with her. Sounds like another book or movie! --- Diana Saenger

I   L.O.V.E.D. the article on your Grandmother. Wow! What a legacy you're living up to. --- Lola Griesan

I love these trips down memory lane. Thank you for sharing. It's a wonderful true story. --- Richard Jack Smith

Wonder if Colorado has something in the water that produces strong women, such as Molly Brown and your kin. What great memories and role model you had living with the "Duchess of Bay State." I think her story deserves a movie. --- Shirley Cannon

Thank you for this wonderful story!  It's been quite a day-brightener as I picture your colorful, resourceful and very successful Grandma Donahue.  This would make an entertaining movie.  And if made into a TV series, it would run for several seasons. --- Marge Oldfield

What a totally charming and delightful piece. She certainly sounded a lot like Molly Brown. Unsinkable. You write so vividly and with a lovely touch of humour. I loved it. --- Peter Keogh

Your article is delightful.  Imagine the intestinal fortitude to stow away at age 14 and get herself over here!  And then to be smart enough to go into business after her husband was killed. One very smart lady. --- Shirley Bening

Great article. I cannot fathom how either of you maintained composure during an

armed robbery attempt. --- Geoff Roberts

Delightful! Thanks for sharing. --- Nell Minow

Wow. What a fascinating story! It's quite impressive to read about how your grandma maintained her businesses, managed her family affairs, and was feared and respected. You gave just enough detail here to whet a filmmaker's appetite for a really good story with potential for a film adaptation. --- Misha Zubarev

 What an amazing woman your grandmother was! This story will stay with me. I love how strong she was. An inspiration! --- Debra Lord Cooke

It is a great read. I applauded at the end! A book-length story is just crying out about your grandmother. --- Chris Mansel 

What a Dame! I love your grandmother. Who do you know in Hollywood that could make her life story a movie? --- Grace Allison

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