So many R-UTN members are spending their retirement years pursuing their passions in inspiring and meaningful ways. Dr. Fran McGarry is a wonderful example.

After more than 30 years teaching English and theater at Northport High School, Fran’s “retirement” has been anything but quiet. She continues to nurture young voices through her work with Sondheim’s Young Playwrights, Inc., and she has built a career as a professional actress

Adding yet another creative chapter, Fran hosts the podcast First Online with Fran, where she shares stories from people around the world whose lives have been transformed by the arts. Fran invites our members to listen to the latest episode of her podcast, Rosie Steward: Freedom-to-Read Revelations. Ms. Steward is the senior public policy manager at Penguin Random House publishers, where she advocates for the freedom to read, and advances the mission of igniting a universal passion for reading by creating books for everyone.

Mary O’Donnell, retired Northport High School English teacher, passed away on October 11 at the age of 85. Mary is survived by her husband, Thomas and daughters Deborah Roulston and Jacqueline Dumbroff, and four grandsons. She was predeceased by her son Kenneth.

Mary found great joy in sharing her love of literature with her students. She taught at Northport High School for over twenty-five years, and over the course of her tenure she taught many of the AP English courses. She and her husband loved traveling, especially to Hawaii. In retirement Mary maintained her friendships with many of her colleagues, and she was a regular attendee at R-UTN events and celebrations.

Visitation Thursday, October 16, from 5 to 8 PM at Brueggemann Funeral Home – 522 Larkfield Road, East Northport, followed by Funeral Mass on Friday, 10:00 am at St. Anthony Of Padua R.C. Church, East Northport. Interment to follow at Calverton National Cemetery.

R-UTN members who have memories of Mary they wish to share, can email retirednorthportteachers@gmail.com. Please write Website Memories as the subject, and include your name and former school.