Shining Lights of Everyday People

“Not all of us can do great things but we can do small things with great love.”—Mother Teresa

By Joanie Allbee

Diane McConnell is a ray of sunshine to all who know her. She greets people with a warm smile. She loves to spend time with her family. She grew up camping and having fun.

“I loved growing up in Saugus. It was quite a small town. You knew your neighbors and everyone got together outside,” Diane said.

“No one stayed in their houses. It felt so free, no worries and everyone got along. I left for 24 years and came back for my love of this Town,” she said.

Diane was raised with and believes in the old motto “to do unto others as you would have done to you.” She graduated with honors with Saugus High Class of 1973.

Diane enjoys quilts and doing puzzles and taking each day as it comes and making the most of it. She fondly recalls a quote from her dad, Mr. Peter Bogdan, “Everyone has the same time each day; it’s how you use it.” Diane keeps a busy schedule with lots of time serving others.

She serves with American Legion Auxiliary and attends many functions with her mom, Shirley Bogdan, who is also a member. They have helped wrap gifts and assisted with parties and running Bingo Games for the soldiers at the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home.

For years, Diane has volunteered serving at Saugus Senior Center’s Wednesday’s Bingo; she always gives extra time and assistance to those in need.

“I have a lot of good memories here with family and friends and I felt safe here growing up. I miss the good old days. I wish it was like that now,” Diane said.