Frances Purcell-Liddy was a woman of remarkable resilience and dedication. As the wife of G. Gordon Liddy, who was convicted for his role in the Watergate scandal, she endured poverty, notoriety, and sorrow, but remained committed to her family and faith in God.
Her career as an economic analyst, public school teacher, and accomplished watercolorist was a testament to her unwavering work ethic and passion for lifelong learning. Despite passing away in 2010, her legacy continues to inspire those who knew her and those who learn of her extraordinary life.
Former Nixon Aide and Watergate Co-Conspirator G. Gordon Liddy Passes Away at 90
On March 30, 2021, former lawyer, FBI agent, talk show host, and actor G. Gordon Liddy passed away at the age of 90 in Fairfax County, Virginia. Liddy was widely known for his involvement in the Watergate scandal, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. Despite his criminal conviction and imprisonment, Liddy remained a controversial figure and continued to be a prominent conservative commentator.
Liddy’s son Thomas P. Liddy confirmed that his father had died at his daughter’s home in Virginia due to Parkinson’s disease. He had been living with Parkinson’s for many years and had recently been hospitalized for a heart condition.
G. Gordon Liddy was a key member of the “White House Plumbers,” a secret group of agents created by the Nixon administration to stop the leaking of classified information to the press. In 1972, Liddy and other members of the group were arrested for their role in the burglary of the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex. The scandal ultimately led to Liddy’s conviction for conspiracy, robbery, and unlawful wiretapping. He served four and a half years in prison, including over 100 days in solitary confinement.
Despite his criminal past, Liddy remained a beloved figure among many conservatives, who admired his willingness to stand up for his beliefs and his commitment to traditional American values. He continued to work as a radio host and commentator, frequently espousing controversial views on a range of topics.
A Glimpse into the Life of a Frances Purcell-Liddy, women who Devoted to Family and Education
Frances Purcell-Liddy was born on December 2, 1932, in Poughkeepsie, New York, to Thomas F. Purcell and Alfarata Toomey Purcell. She grew up as an only child, who was known for being reserved and introspective. Her quiet demeanor, however, belied a strong will and a fierce determination to succeed in life.
Frances’ family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where she spent much of her childhood. She graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1950 and went on to attend the College of New Rochelle, where she earned a degree in Economics. After completing her undergraduate studies, she pursued her passion for education and obtained a Masters Degree in Education from the State University of New York, New Paltz.
After her college Frances moved with Gordon to Washington, D.C., where he began his career as a lawyer and political operative. Frances’ own professional career included working at the Poughkeepsie Savings Bank for 18 years as an economic analyst, and subsequently as an educator, teaching in the public schools of Poughkeepsie and Washington, D.C. for 18 years.
Frances Purcell-Liddy Husband, What about her Children?
While in college, Frances met the man who would become her husband, G. Gordon Liddy. They married in November 1957 at St. Mary’s Church.
Frances and Gordon were blessed with five children, Alexandra Liddy Bourne of Alexandria, Virginia, Grace Alfarata Liddy of Ft. Washington, Maryland, Commander James Gordon Liddy, USN (SEAL) (Ret.) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Thomas Purcell Liddy of Chandler, Arizona, and Colonel Raymond Joseph Liddy, USMCR of San Diego, California. Frances was a devoted wife and mother who always put her family first, even during the difficult times when Gordon was imprisoned for his role in the Watergate break-in.
In addition to her dedication to family and education, Frances was an accomplished artist who took up painting in her early teens. She traveled the world studying and painting, and was an accomplished plein air watercolorist. Her favorite subjects were the many beautiful vistas in Arizona and her native Hudson Valley. Frances was a woman of many talents, but it was her love for family and education that defined her life and legacy.
Frances Purcell-Liddy passed away on February 5, 2010, at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and service to family and community. Her memory lives on through her children and grandchildren, and in the hearts of all who knew her.
Frances Purcell-Liddy Career, What is her profession?
Frances Purcell-Liddy’s professional career spanned multiple decades, during which she made significant contributions to the fields of finance and education.
After graduating from the College of New Rochelle with a degree in Economics, Frances began working at the Poughkeepsie Savings Bank, where she served as an economic analyst. Her keen analytical skills and attention to detail were highly valued by her colleagues and superiors.
Frances later moved on to work for the Central Hudson Gas & Electric Company, where she continued to excel as an economic analyst. Her work at the company helped to inform critical decisions about energy consumption and pricing, and she earned a reputation as a reliable and insightful expert in her field.
Eventually, Frances transitioned to a career in education, beginning as a public school teacher in the City of Poughkeepsie. She quickly established herself as a dedicated and inspiring educator, with a particular passion for teaching children from underprivileged backgrounds. She went on to teach in public schools in Washington, D.C. for 18 years, where she continued to make a lasting impact on the lives of her students.
Beyond her work in finance and education, Frances was also a lifelong artist. She began painting in her early teens and continued to hone her skills throughout her life. She traveled the world to study and paint, becoming an accomplished plein air watercolorist. Her favorite subjects were the many beautiful vistas in Arizona and her native Hudson Valley.