| THE COLONY NEWS | JULY 2023 | 9
By Valorie Hillerich
Back in April, I attended the Petal Pushers Garden
Tour. While visiting all the beautiful gardens, I had a
chance encounter with surely one of The Colony's most
fascinating residents, Mary Lou Reid. Later, we spent
an afternoon together, and I couldn't write her life story
down fast enough! WOW!
After attending Catholic high school in her
hometown of So. St. Paul, Minnesota, Mary Lou entered
the convent at the age of 18. In her own words:
"I planned to stay
forever, living an idealistic
life devoted to God.
Perhaps deep down I was
looking for one solution to
all of life's decisions and
ambiguities while forging
ahead despite parental
disapproval. But the years
I spent in the convent
transformed me in many
ways."
Mary Lou Reid: A Fascinating Resident
Part of Mary Lou's transformation after her departure from the convent
is explained in her best-selling book, Always Eat Dessert. I've tried to
capture just a few of her other achievements in my acrostic poem below.
Freelance writer penning brochures, magazine and newspaper articles,
and reviews.
Actress in New York (understudy for 42nd Street on Broadway; toured
with and acted in Brigadoon) and Los Angeles (General Hospital).
Studied at the University of Nevada as a music major, and taught Music
Ed to up-and-coming elementary school teachers.
Certified Financial Planner for over 25 years.
Interviewed on multiple radio and television programs, and podcasts.
Newspaper Arts and Finance columnist.
Author's coach currently, helping writers find their voice by listening to
what they have to say and bringing out their strengths.
The tenacity to stick with it and start again, as many times as is necessary.
Inspiration from the Catholic nuns at her high school in St. Paul,
Minnesota.
NYU Graduate School of Business student.
Gave me a reason to Always Eat Dessert!
As you can see, Mary Lou has achieved so much in her life. But in case
you are wondering, Mary Lou is a gentle soul with an interesting story.
Suffice it to say, this woman is FASCINATING!
