Ambassador Anne Martindell, Age 93, Pens Memoir, NEVER TOO LATE

Age 87: Graduates College Age 66: Falls in love for the first time Age 65: Appointed 1st Female Ambassador to New Zealand Age 59: Elected to New Jersey State Senate

Princeton, NJ (PRWEB) April 18, 2008 -- Ambassador Anne Martindell, Age 93, Pens Memoir, NEVER TOO LATE, to be published May 15, 2008.

Age 87: Graduates College
Age 66: Falls in love for the first time
Age 65: Appointed 1st Female Ambassador to New Zealand
Age 59: Elected to New Jersey State Senate

"Anne's vibrant spirit and dedication to public service made her an excel¬lent choice to be the first female U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand,
and she did an exceptional job. This is the description of a remarkable career."
-- Former President Jimmy Carter

"Anne Martindell is an inspiration! NEVER TOO LATE is an encouragement for us all and proof-positive that time is no enemy of good works. Her story reminds us that life is what we make it. Through perseverance, determination, intellectual curiosity and personal compassion, she helped make life better for others and in so doing elevated her own."
-- Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun

"Anne Martindell has written a stirring autobiography. The eventful story of her life demonstrates the human capacity to repeatedly reinvent oneself...The tale she tells not only reflects the major historical events from the 1930s to the 21st century, but epochal changes in women's lives."
-- Carol T. Christ, President, Smith College

"The charming and indomitable Ambassador Anne Martindell tells of a richly varied life during which she has confounded expectations and developed political engagement and sophistication. Determined to use her intelligence throughout her life, she has contributed admirably to the public good as a diplomat and political leader."
- -Congressman Rush Holt

"This poignant and compelling story of a political woman's life of¬fers valuable lessons for women of every generation. Anne's resilience and determination are inspiring. She reminds us that learning and growing have no age limits. She exemplifies the value of living a life of public service."
-- Debbie Walsh, Director, Center for American Women and Politics,
Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University

Born into a wealthy and reserved American family, the first 50 years were lived in a predictable fashion---as an heir to the Coates & Clark thread fortune, she was raised in rarified atmosphere. Chronicling the transformation of a socialite to powerful politician and diplomat, this account of a nonagenarian's unexpected career demonstrates that it is never too late for a determined woman to make a difference.

The trajectory of Anne Blair Clark's life took an unexpected detour into politics late in her life. Summoned home from Smith College after her freshman year---since her father did not approve of educated women---she did not become politically active until her 50s when she observed firsthand the injustices of the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. She was elected to the New Jersey State Senate in a predominantly Republican district and developed a reputation as a no-nonsense politico who refused to let outdated stereotypes or old-boy alliances deter her.

During the Carter administration she became involved at the national level, serving in several positions including director of the office of U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Relief, and as President Carter's appointee as the first female ambassador to New Zealand.
tWhile in New Zealand, she met the love of her life, painter Toss Woollaston, and experienced true love for the first time in her life. After his death, she returned to Smith College, completing her B.A. at the age of 87. She remains active in politics and in the United States-New Zealand Council.

TITLE: NEVER TOO LATE
Pub. Date: May 15, 2008 -- $29.95
ISBN: 978-1933672502

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