Mary Palumbo is a quiet rebel, an outside-the-box thinker and a detailed organizer. She is an award-winning, forty-year elementary educator, emerita with a master’s degree from Providence College.  Her years in the classroom led her to create the concept and title for The Hare on the Chair — her years of sharing a childhood-bedroom bond led her straight to her sister Susan for another of their lifelong adventures. “As a friend to many” in her own meadow, Mary sought out those friends, and a cousin, who willingly provided their talents to help realize the sisters’ vision.  A loving mother, a lifetime friend to many, a worldwide traveler, a giver, a seer, she is always present and fully engaged. Mary is married to George Yerger with whom she now shares her new adventures and her greatest pride and enjoyment are her two sons, Nicholas and Mark.

Susan Palumbo was born an avid reader, a natural wordsmith and a deep thinker with a sensitive soul. She lived a life filled with curiosity and a drive for new adventures – always wondering, “What’s out there?”  Her life’s adventure took her from class valedictorian in North Providence, RI to Harvard University and Simmons College as an honors graduate. Her instinctive pursuit of knowledge formed the foundation for many of her adventures. A wonderful sister, a cherished cousin, an adventurous aunt, the best kind of friend, a poet, a creative powerhouse, a doer, she traveled the world, but never lost her roots.  She approached life and those around her with innate humility, great humor and a twinkling brown eye always towards her next adventure.

Cousin Annie is the first cousin to Mary and Susan Palumbo “Italian style” – meaning more like siblings than cousins. The three youngest of the nine cousins spent their childhood gathered at “Grandpa Palumbo’s” nearly every Sunday, at lasagna filled Thanksgivings and Palm Sundays or simply at each other’s homes for celebrations and “coffee and” visits. The almost daily entwining of their families, with lively discussions, full-bodied laughter, food, and the unconditional circle of love that surrounded each one of them fostered their solid foundation and built the depth of their lifetime connection. Cousin Annie’s Hare on the Chair adventure began at a point of great loss and sad transition when Mary turned to her for support to help ensure the completion of Susan’s last adventure. The Hare and Hutch come to life. Through tears, laughter, gentle guidance and perseverance, a new partnership took root and bloomed in its mission to honor Susan and keep her present. Initially through The Hare on the Chair book, then through The Susan Palumbo Reading Nook dedication and most proudly through The Susan Palumbo Library Legacy. Cousin Annie brought to these projects her vision, creativity, writing skills, business experience, work ethic, passion and most importantly her love for her childhood playmate Susan.