Maureen O'Donnell
50 Mendon Street
Upton, MA 01568
Family/Present Life
Married to: James Lilley (21 years)
My 86 year-old Dad is still going strong, I'm lucky; also to have 3 wonderful (younger) siblings.
Still working 3 days/week at: The Learning Center for Deaf Children in Framingham, MA.
American Sign Language is my second language, and I use it all day.
Where my life has gone, so far
After I graduated from Stevens, I went to Emmanuel College in
Boston, where I received a B.A. degree, majoring in Education and
Psychology. I then was lucky enough to get a full scholarship and
stipend to attend Columbia University Graduate School of
Education (which is ironic, as I was SO angry at my parents for
moving to NY state during my college years; but NY state gave me
the scholarship!) where I received a Masters Degree in Deaf Education.
I wanted to get back to N.H., so I taught at Crotched Mt. School
for the Deaf for 4 years. The principal of the school decided to
start an innovative school of his own in Massachusetts, and I
decided to be a pioneer with him; we founded The Learning Center
for Deaf Children in 1970, and I've been there ever since. Oh, I
did take some time off to go to Boston College and get another Masters
degree, this time in social work. So, since 1974, I do therapy
and counseling with deaf children of all ages, and their families.
I like my work, but would like to get back to N.H.! One of these days....
My biggest accomplishment: 24 years of sobriety.
Memories
Growing up in Claremont was the best! It seemed like such a
"safe" world, and it sure gave me a lot of security. My good
friends are still "kids" I grew up with: Martha Wilson, Squeak,
Joan Klem, Vicki, Bonney, Shirley, Scotty, Skip, John M and many
more. I feel the most comfortable with people that knew me when...
I think we had a great education all the way through, but
especially at Stevens. It's nice to still see some teachers
around, like Paul Jobin and Ray LeBouthillier, Paul Magoon. My
hardest class was Physics with Harry Moore. My favorite class was
probably senior English with Norm Paquette.
The best thing I ever did for myself was take a year of business
typing (and typing papers for others got me through college,
financially). My all time favorite teacher was Bunny Dodge, 4th
grade Maple Avenue. Yes, it's hard to believe it was all 45+
years ago--but it's nice when things come "full circle" and we
reconnect with people and places that were and are important to
us!