Marie Conner, A Leading Lady: Her Life and Civic Leadership in a Bygone Era by Elle Mott #Review @ellemott.author

Marie Conner, A Leading Lady: Her Life and Civic Leadership in a Bygone Era
Non-Fiction Biography – Women in History
Setting – Oregon
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Luminare Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 11, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 316 pages
Paperback
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8886799729
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8886799736
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GP93NVQ8

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.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Elle Mott has penned a loving memoir telling the world what an extraordinary woman her great-grandmother, Marie Conner, was.

Marie Conner was born during an era when women were expected to remain in the background, their voices seldom heard, and their contributions often overlooked. Society dictated that women care for their families, leaving leadership and public matters to men. Despite these constraints, Marie was determined to prove her worth, especially to her father. She not only raised her family but also became a leader in various charities and organizations. Her relentless involvement with groups such as the Red Cross, American Legion, Eastern Star,  the PTA, and more showcased her dedication and outspoken nature. Marie united women to work collectively for the greater good, driven by her passion for helping others and her desire to challenge her father’s beliefs. Her packed social and civic schedule would have overwhelmed most people. Today, a woman with Marie’s ambition and energy might be found holding public office or running a major company.

Ms. Mott goes into great detail about Marie’s daily life. The woman was always on the go. The author’s research allowed her to not only list the events Marie participated in, but also the people involved, the decorations, and even the food served at these gatherings. I found her “Needs for the Needy” column especially interesting; it brought the community together to help others. It grew into a major undertaking. For me, it was similar to what we have in communities today through St. Vincent de Paul, churches, and other organizations.

Marie Conner was a steadfast person, motivated to create positive change both in her community and within her family. However, her relationship with her oldest son, Dick, was troubled; at one point, she referred to him as “the eyesore in her family,” reflecting the high expectations she held that he never seemed able to meet. Marie also placed particular importance on her first grandchild and first great-grandchild. As a grandmother of eight, that hurt my heart, as I try to give them all, all the time, and resources I can, as my parents did for my children and me. This behavior seemed to echo the lingering influence of Marie’s father on her life.

Marie Conner, A Leading Lady, spans the early 1900s to the 1980s. It offers readers a vivid glimpse into the life of a strong, complex, and determined woman. Marie’s contributions were truly inspiring, and her actions made a significant difference in many people’s lives.  I was happy to have her brought to my attention and enjoyed learning about her life.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

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.

Author Links
Website    AllAuthor    LinkedIn     Facebook      Goodreads    Kofi

Purchase Link –

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways.