Book Excerpt

The Lady in Red: Inspiring a New Generation

Chapter 1: Beginnings

Early Life in Wisconsin

MaryAnn Riley was born at St. Mary's Hospital on August 9, 1936, in Madison, Wisconsin. Her parents, Mary, and Clemens Shembab, were loving and supportive, instilling the values that would shape her future. Growing up in the Midwest during a time of significant change in America, MaryAnn's childhood was marked by the simplicity of rural life and the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II.

MaryAnn recalls her early years with fondness, often speaking about the close-knit community surrounding her family. "We were a large extended family," she shared. "My aunts and uncles lived nearby and were always there for us. I was the lively one of all the grandkids, always creating havoc wherever I went."

Her father, Clemens, worked hard to provide for the family, and her mother, Mary, was the heart of their home. "My father was a man of great integrity," MaryAnn remembers. "He taught me the importance of hard work and honesty. On the other hand, my mother was the epitome of kindness and compassion. She always put others before herself."

Formative Experiences

One of the most formative experiences of MaryAnn's early life was the sense of responsibility instilled in her by her parents. From a young age, she was given chores around the house and expected to respect her elders. "My mother made sure I had my chores to do," MaryAnn said. Moreover, I respected my elders, no matter what. These were the values that shaped me."

Another significant influence in MaryAnn's life was her great-aunt, whom she fondly remembers sitting in a child's rocking chair with her hair flowing down to the floor. "I used to love to sit there and brush her hair," MaryAnn recalls. "That rocking chair is now in my bedroom, and every time I look at it, I think of our good times together."

The Importance of Education

Education was a cornerstone of MaryAnn's upbringing. Her parents valued learning and ensured that she understood its importance from a young age. "My parents went to great lengths to make sure I had the best education possible," MaryAnn said. On the first day of school, my cousin and I were taken to school in a taxi cab. It was only six blocks away, but my parents wanted to make a good impression and show us how important education was."

This early emphasis on education laid the foundation for MaryAnn's lifelong commitment to learning and teaching. Her experiences in school, both as a student and later as a teacher, would become a significant part of her journey and influence many others along the way.

A Spirit of Independence

From a young age, MaryAnn exhibited a strong sense of independence. One notable example was when she enrolled in a public school without her parent's knowledge. "I was nine years old," MaryAnn recalls. "I went down to Washington School and enrolled myself. When my father found out, he asked me how I did it, and I just told him I went and signed up. That was the kind of person I was—always thinking outside the box."

This independent spirit would serve MaryAnn well throughout her life, helping her navigate the many challenges and opportunities that came her way. This same spirit would lead her to make significant contributions to her community and the broader conservative movement.

Reflections on Family and Community

As MaryAnn reflects on her early years, she often speaks about the community surrounding her family. "We were all in this together," she said. "Our family, our neighbors—everyone looked out for each other. That sense of community was strong, shaping who I am today."

This strong foundation of family and community values would guide MaryAnn's life, influencing her decisions and actions in the years to come. These early experiences set the stage for her future as a dedicated educator, community leader, and advocate for conservative values.

Overcoming Adversity

MaryAnn's journey was not without its challenges. Growing up during the Great Depression and World War II, she witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by many families. "We did not have much, but we had each other," MaryAnn said. "My parents taught me to be resilient and to find strength in adversity."

One particular memory stands out for MaryAnn: the day her younger brother was born during a blackout in 1941. "It was December 19, 1941," she recalls. "I was so excited to have him see the Christmas lights when he came home. However, that night, we had a blackout, and I was very disappointed that my brother did not get to see the lights. It was small, but it taught me about the sacrifices we sometimes have to make."

The Role of Faith

Faith played a central role in MaryAnn's upbringing. Her family was deeply religious, providing a solid moral compass. "We went to church every Sunday," MaryAnn said. "Faith was an integral part of our lives. It taught me compassion, forgiveness, and the importance of serving others."

This strong foundation of faith would guide MaryAnn throughout her life, providing her with the strength and determination to overcome obstacles and positively impact her community.

Embracing Responsibility

MaryAnn's parents instilled a sense of responsibility from a young age. Whether helping with chores around the house or looking out for her younger siblings, MaryAnn learned the importance of taking ownership of her actions. "My father always said, 'If you're going to do something, do it right,'" she recalled. That lesson stayed with me throughout my life."

This sense of responsibility extended beyond her family to her community. MaryAnn often took on leadership roles, whether organizing events at her church or volunteering for local causes. "I believed in giving back," she said. "It was about making a difference, no matter how small."

A Strong Work Ethic

MaryAnn's upbringing was characterized by a strong work ethic. Her parents led by example, working tirelessly to provide for their family. "My father worked long hours, and my mother was always busy taking care of us," she said. "They never complained. They just did what needed to be done."

This work ethic was something MaryAnn carried with her throughout her life. Whether it was her dedication to her studies or her commitment to her career, she approached every task with determination and perseverance. "I never shied away from hard work," she said. "It was a value that was deeply ingrained in me."

Conclusion

MaryAnn Riley's early life in Wisconsin was marked by love, responsibility, and a deep sense of community. Her parents, Mary and Clemens Shembab, instilled the values to guide her throughout her life. From her formative experiences to her strong spirit of independence, MaryAnn's upbringing laid the groundwork for her future contributions to education, politics, and community service.

As we delve deeper into MaryAnn's story, we will see how these early experiences shaped her journey and inspired her to become the remarkable woman she is today. Her life is a testament to the power of family, education, faith, and unwavering commitment to one's values. Through her story, we gain a deeper understanding of the values that have guided her and her vision for the future.