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Getting back to her roots: Author pens chicken soup for the soul with an Irish twist
Kelsey Kruzich/Staff Photo – Patricia Connorton Kagerer signed copies of her new book, “Wise Irish Women,” at Trinity Hall Irish Pub in Dallas on Tuesday. The Plano resident co-wrote the book with her cousin as a tribute to strong women everywhere.
By Kelley Chambers, kchambers@starlocalnews.com
Plano resident Patricia Connorton Kagerer witnessed Irish strength and character at an early age.
All four of her grandparents came through Ellis Island in the 20s for a chance at a better life.
Her grandmother, Peggy Prendergast, died at the age of 95 and was "just a spitfire of a woman" who came to America by herself in 1928 to take charge of her life.
Prendergast's harrowing story and poignant euphemisms still echo in Kagerer's mind today, reflecting an Irish woman who "never complained, loved being around the family and didn't take crap from anybody, either."
It wasn't until about a year and a half ago, however, when the idea of sharing Peggy Prendergast's story with the world was born. About four years ago around Christmas, Kagerer lost her mother very suddenly; about six months prior to that, she lost her uncle. The brother-sister passing hit the family hard, Kargerer said.
"It just kind of pulled the rug out from under me if you will," Kargerer said. "A year later, [my cousin] Laura and I were talking about that resilient quality, and we realized it really had a lot to do with our grandmother and her Irish roots."
As a of tribute to Kagerer's late mother and grandmother, Kagerer and her cousin, Laura Prendergast Gordon, have brought together the voices of 36 women and their stories in "Wise Irish Women: A Journey of Love, Loyalty and Friendship to Inspire the Irish Spirit."
At first, the two wanted to write a book solely about the Irish women in their lives, but branched out to incorporate similar stories of strength and inspiration from women all over the world, each with one common trait -- their connection to Ireland.
Some tell of ancestors coming to America for a better life, while others reflect today's generation and the challenges they have overcome and the successes that resulted.
"I call it chicken soup for the soul with bit of an Irish twist," Kagerer said. "There are a lot of stories about resilience, and a lot are [about women who are] in Ireland. The farthest reach, I think, is China and Hawaii."
The cousins' idea to write the book celebrating female leadership and Irish roots took flight through social media outlets and networking sites. After posting requests for submissions for the book, Kargerer said she was surprised at the number of women she met and how eager they were to tell their stories.
"Many women in this book, nobody has really heard of them; they're just average, everyday women," Kargerer said. "But each of us has a story and each of us has something we can learn from one another."
In addition to her family's stories, "Wise Irish Women" also includes stories by acclaimed author Mary Higgins Clark and playwright Marianne McDonald. There are also stories from lesser known inspirations like Lulu O'Sullivan, who started her business in Dublin during the recession because she couldn't find a job. Today, her venture --Inter-Teddy -- is the largest online retail company in Ireland.
A story by QVC Host Jane Treacy also holds a special place in Kargerer's heart, as Treacy was the first person she reached out to for the book. Being one of the first women who started Irish Shopping Day in honor of St. Patrick's Day, Treacy unknowingly started a tradition for "the QVC queens," Kargerer said.
"There have been so many serendipitous moments that have happened, just because we were doing something we wanted to do to make a difference," she said. "[Gordon and I] are closer now than ever before and I am grateful for the opportunity to share these stories, it's a legacy for my mother and grandmother."
Another way the cousins are building on their family birthright is through their foundation. Every dollar spent on their book will go to the WIW Foundation, which is intended to help women go back to school by offering scholarships. The foundation's purpose is, in part, to honor those relativeswho were the first generation born in America to go to college. As her grandmother said, "education is your inheritance."
"Life is always challenging," Kargerer said. "A lot of times we tend to think everything should be perfect. We strive for perfection and the reality is that we are going to face challenges and it's really about how we step up and handle those challenges."
The duo plans on writing a second book to their Irish series, as well as a book on "wise Texas women," in the near future.
"My grandmother always said, 'all you need is a drop to be Irish,'" Kargerer said. "This book really does speak to everyone. It's about women helping women and knowing that we can make a difference. We take care of everyone and sometimes that needs to be celebrated."
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