Leona Casey Signor Interview

Leona Casey Signore (1933-2023) was a co-historian of the West Side Oral Narrative Project. In this narrative, Lee discusses her childhood in New Hampshire, the time she spent in Canada, as well as her time in a convent as a postulant and novitiate. She moved to Saratoga Springs from Boston with her husband, who grew up in an Italian-immigrant family on the West Side of Saratoga Springs. She mentions both of the books she’s written: Dublin Revisited, about the working-class residents of the West Side, as well as How Did He Find Me: An Adoption Story a book she wrote about the son she gave up for adoption. She recalls her time working as a mental health nurse, as well as her connection with her children and grandchildren. She talks about becoming familiar with the Italian immigrant community of the West Side of Saratoga Springs, her first Saint Michael’s Feast Day celebration, and how she integrated with her husband's family. She discusses how she was viewed as an “American” when compared with her husband's family in Saratoga Springs. Leona ends the interview by expressing how much Saratoga Springs has changed over the years, due to the building of apartment complexes and large buildings that have caused the city to lose some of its charm. It is clear throughout the interview that Leona valued family greatly and was extremely close with all of her family members.