Remarkable
Knowing remarkable women is a gift, especially for me, who grew up in the 1950’s at a time when women were not given extensive opportunities to demonstrate how amazing a woman could be as a person, a parent, a professional and as a peer. June Warren Lee was a gift to many of us “Boomer Babes” and a fabulous expression of dedicated selfless service to a profession I love.
June and I met early in our careers enabled by two more “remarkable women” and cherished friends- Drs. Barbara Kay and Andrea Richman. Dr. Barbara Kay introduced me to June through the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) in the early 1980’s. Barbara had been President of AAWD and was a national spokesperson for Colgate and the Chair of the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Alumni Association Board-to this day, Barbara has a huge professional network. Dr. Andrea Richman began her volunteer path at the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) on the Council of Membership with me in the early eighties and she spoke so highly of June’s capacity for getting things done, that I asked to work with June on the Yankee Dental Congress. The three of us, Andrea, June and me, were soon lifelong Yankee Dental Congress volunteering buddies. We had fun, made incredible lifelong friends, and we cared deeply for each other’s successes.
June and I were both from large families, me being the middle child of seven siblings and June being the oldest of six. We grew up in similar neighborhoods-Dorchester and Medford, Massachusetts, with parents who valued education and achievement more than money. We were both married with kids. June met her soulmate Dr. Bill Lee their first week in college at Brandeis University, 1969. They attended Georgetown University because that was the only school that accepted them both. At Georgetown that year, that was the largest group of women dental students ever accepted – all of 8 women. While attending Georgetown University School of Dentistry (1977) and as my friendship with June grew, we shared the challenges of being in a committed relationship, raising children, managing a dental practice and finding ways to be engaged with the profession. June made it look easy. We shared a passion for art and music- June loved the Scottish fiddle, an instrument to this day that fills me with joy. June’s daughter Jaime was quite an accomplished Scottish Fiddler musician.
We got involved in organized dentistry before there were many women represented. A few women were in practice, but not active in dental societies - much less leadership. June was a pioneer. One of her first professional involvements was with the Women's Dental Society of Massachusetts which was a great organization and a great training ground for eventual leadership positions in our districts, in MDS and the Yankee Dental Congress. These relationships forged there persisted throughout our careers.
I watched in awe as June took on multiple responsibilities. She quietly had a solution for most problems she encountered. When the Academy of General Dentistry presented challenges in gaining Mastership for New England dentists, June created The New England Mastertrack five-year program that enabled achievement. When the South Shore District Dental Society needed a chair, June stepped up despite the demands of a full-time practice and two extremely talented children, Jaime and Danny. When Yankee Dental began to grow in attendance and needed dentists to help manage the meeting, June volunteered in any capacity needed-scientific programs, general session, allied education, exhibits, sponsorships. This amazing dedication and devotion to her profession was a bit perplexing to me as a new dentist and just talking to June was intimidating-how did this petite, shy woman accomplish so much? I found out how.
Dr Bill Lee. Bill supported and encouraged everything June took on. I realized that my husband Steve was much like Bill and they thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company, sharing stories about their over committed wives, their kids, the business of dentistry and the fact that the housework did not always get done, but who cared. Dr. Andrea Richman’s spouse is an even bigger supporter-we referred to her husband Michael Shulman (finance career) as the “other” Dr. Richman……My advice to women dentists to this day, is how important it is to have support at home-its very difficult to be “remarkable” without that secret ingredient-a life partner that believes in you and your pursuit of excellence.
When June became President of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) I realized how important it was for women to sponsor, mentor and guide other women, who often struggle to self-promote, and to request career help from male peers. Women have a unique way of looking at the world through eyes of compassion, nurturing, selflessness and with a bit of “imposter syndrome”-am I really that capable and confident? Through AAWD, I became involved as a mentor who gives advice, and a sponsor who is someone who pulls you through the professional keyholes of life. My sponsors were mostly men, but June showed me how to be a sponsor to other women and I continue to try diligently to promote women in the profession and the workplace.
June and I shared a close camaraderie with many engaged and thoughtful citizens of the dental profession. American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy were opportunities for us to laugh, celebrate, learn and bear witness to all of the remarkable dentists that we named as colleagues and friends. When our kids were a bit older, we decided to take our daughters to high tea at the Ritz Carleton hotel in Boston as a special treat. I was so worried about cocoa being spilt on the pretty dress my daughter Brittany had on, that I failed to fully enjoy the time together. June on the other hand, was relaxed, enjoying Jaime, and not one bit worried about spills. Letting go of things that cause stress may have been June’s greatest strength-I am only guessing. When a serious illness took hold of June in her mid-fifties, that ability to get past the stress and still focus on the moment and be grounded in the wonder of it all became very visible to many.
In April 2010, June’s liver disease took her life at age 58. When June received the news that she was not eligible for a liver transplant and she had but a short time to live, she was a trustee of the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), representing the South Shore District. When it was suggested to her that this was the time to figure out what she enjoyed most and devote her remaining time to it - she answered that she had always wanted to be Trustee, and this where she would spend her remaining time and energy. Representing her district on the MDS Board of Trustees.
Everyone loved and respected June. She was so devoted to the Yankee Dental Congress, that 3 months before her death, clearly jaundiced, she came to the meeting with a special refrigerator for her infusions, so she could participate and receive two awards. The first award was a special recognition for service to the Yankee Dental Congress and was presented to her by President, Dr. David Samuels. There wasn't a dry eye in the house, including his.
The last time I saw June in person was during the American College of Dentists (ACD) luncheon at the 2010 Yankee Dental, where we celebrated June’s remarkable career and her many recognitions, including the Lucy Hobbs Taylor Award (we share that honor) and her special recognition by the Yankee Dental, and her second YDC award, the 2010 Thomas F. Winkler Leadership Award from ACD. She was overwhelmed with gratitude and humility. Despite her illness, June was fully present in the moment of joy. When June and I said goodbye that day, we both knew it be our final hug.
That was the first time in my life that I returned to Chicago and the American Dental Association from the Yankee Dental Congress heartbroken. It’s been twelve years and grief persists if I let loose the painful feelings of loss. The pain of the premature death of such a remarkable woman never goes away, you just learn to live with it along with other losses suffered along the way as we move forward through life. June’s legacy lives on through the amazing contributions by women in the dental profession, past, current and future leaders. June blazed a trail for all of us that will never be forgotten.
To my remarkable women dentists-thank you for the amazing gift of you. You transformed me and I am forever grateful.
June and I met early in our careers enabled by two more “remarkable women” and cherished friends- Drs. Barbara Kay and Andrea Richman. Dr. Barbara Kay introduced me to June through the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) in the early 1980’s. Barbara had been President of AAWD and was a national spokesperson for Colgate and the Chair of the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Alumni Association Board-to this day, Barbara has a huge professional network. Dr. Andrea Richman began her volunteer path at the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) on the Council of Membership with me in the early eighties and she spoke so highly of June’s capacity for getting things done, that I asked to work with June on the Yankee Dental Congress. The three of us, Andrea, June and me, were soon lifelong Yankee Dental Congress volunteering buddies. We had fun, made incredible lifelong friends, and we cared deeply for each other’s successes.
June and I were both from large families, me being the middle child of seven siblings and June being the oldest of six. We grew up in similar neighborhoods-Dorchester and Medford, Massachusetts, with parents who valued education and achievement more than money. We were both married with kids. June met her soulmate Dr. Bill Lee their first week in college at Brandeis University, 1969. They attended Georgetown University because that was the only school that accepted them both. At Georgetown that year, that was the largest group of women dental students ever accepted – all of 8 women. While attending Georgetown University School of Dentistry (1977) and as my friendship with June grew, we shared the challenges of being in a committed relationship, raising children, managing a dental practice and finding ways to be engaged with the profession. June made it look easy. We shared a passion for art and music- June loved the Scottish fiddle, an instrument to this day that fills me with joy. June’s daughter Jaime was quite an accomplished Scottish Fiddler musician.
We got involved in organized dentistry before there were many women represented. A few women were in practice, but not active in dental societies - much less leadership. June was a pioneer. One of her first professional involvements was with the Women's Dental Society of Massachusetts which was a great organization and a great training ground for eventual leadership positions in our districts, in MDS and the Yankee Dental Congress. These relationships forged there persisted throughout our careers.
I watched in awe as June took on multiple responsibilities. She quietly had a solution for most problems she encountered. When the Academy of General Dentistry presented challenges in gaining Mastership for New England dentists, June created The New England Mastertrack five-year program that enabled achievement. When the South Shore District Dental Society needed a chair, June stepped up despite the demands of a full-time practice and two extremely talented children, Jaime and Danny. When Yankee Dental began to grow in attendance and needed dentists to help manage the meeting, June volunteered in any capacity needed-scientific programs, general session, allied education, exhibits, sponsorships. This amazing dedication and devotion to her profession was a bit perplexing to me as a new dentist and just talking to June was intimidating-how did this petite, shy woman accomplish so much? I found out how.
Dr Bill Lee. Bill supported and encouraged everything June took on. I realized that my husband Steve was much like Bill and they thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company, sharing stories about their over committed wives, their kids, the business of dentistry and the fact that the housework did not always get done, but who cared. Dr. Andrea Richman’s spouse is an even bigger supporter-we referred to her husband Michael Shulman (finance career) as the “other” Dr. Richman……My advice to women dentists to this day, is how important it is to have support at home-its very difficult to be “remarkable” without that secret ingredient-a life partner that believes in you and your pursuit of excellence.
When June became President of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) I realized how important it was for women to sponsor, mentor and guide other women, who often struggle to self-promote, and to request career help from male peers. Women have a unique way of looking at the world through eyes of compassion, nurturing, selflessness and with a bit of “imposter syndrome”-am I really that capable and confident? Through AAWD, I became involved as a mentor who gives advice, and a sponsor who is someone who pulls you through the professional keyholes of life. My sponsors were mostly men, but June showed me how to be a sponsor to other women and I continue to try diligently to promote women in the profession and the workplace.
June and I shared a close camaraderie with many engaged and thoughtful citizens of the dental profession. American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy were opportunities for us to laugh, celebrate, learn and bear witness to all of the remarkable dentists that we named as colleagues and friends. When our kids were a bit older, we decided to take our daughters to high tea at the Ritz Carleton hotel in Boston as a special treat. I was so worried about cocoa being spilt on the pretty dress my daughter Brittany had on, that I failed to fully enjoy the time together. June on the other hand, was relaxed, enjoying Jaime, and not one bit worried about spills. Letting go of things that cause stress may have been June’s greatest strength-I am only guessing. When a serious illness took hold of June in her mid-fifties, that ability to get past the stress and still focus on the moment and be grounded in the wonder of it all became very visible to many.
In April 2010, June’s liver disease took her life at age 58. When June received the news that she was not eligible for a liver transplant and she had but a short time to live, she was a trustee of the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), representing the South Shore District. When it was suggested to her that this was the time to figure out what she enjoyed most and devote her remaining time to it - she answered that she had always wanted to be Trustee, and this where she would spend her remaining time and energy. Representing her district on the MDS Board of Trustees.
Everyone loved and respected June. She was so devoted to the Yankee Dental Congress, that 3 months before her death, clearly jaundiced, she came to the meeting with a special refrigerator for her infusions, so she could participate and receive two awards. The first award was a special recognition for service to the Yankee Dental Congress and was presented to her by President, Dr. David Samuels. There wasn't a dry eye in the house, including his.
The last time I saw June in person was during the American College of Dentists (ACD) luncheon at the 2010 Yankee Dental, where we celebrated June’s remarkable career and her many recognitions, including the Lucy Hobbs Taylor Award (we share that honor) and her special recognition by the Yankee Dental, and her second YDC award, the 2010 Thomas F. Winkler Leadership Award from ACD. She was overwhelmed with gratitude and humility. Despite her illness, June was fully present in the moment of joy. When June and I said goodbye that day, we both knew it be our final hug.
That was the first time in my life that I returned to Chicago and the American Dental Association from the Yankee Dental Congress heartbroken. It’s been twelve years and grief persists if I let loose the painful feelings of loss. The pain of the premature death of such a remarkable woman never goes away, you just learn to live with it along with other losses suffered along the way as we move forward through life. June’s legacy lives on through the amazing contributions by women in the dental profession, past, current and future leaders. June blazed a trail for all of us that will never be forgotten.
To my remarkable women dentists-thank you for the amazing gift of you. You transformed me and I am forever grateful.
Written by Kathleen O'Loughlin, DMD, MPH
Immediate Past Executive Director of the American Dental Association, 2022
Immediate Past Executive Director of the American Dental Association, 2022