Everyone it seemed was entranced by her lilting Irish accent. Phoebe did not exclude anyone, every day offering a happy “cheers” to the anonymous lunch lady usually invisible to most students. Her breezy personality and sense of humor attracted the kids. She was a magnet for friends and soon had a large circle of admirers. Girls were fascinated by the quirky, independent newcomer and boys showered her with attention, mostly politely ignored. January 2010 - South Hadley Massachusetts - she's walking home from school "Ah, sure, it's grand altogether, but I’m wrecked to bits after the day. I’ll have a cuppa now, won’t I?"