9 famous mothers and their timeless lessons

What comes to mind when you think of motherhood? I think of a sense of nurturing, loving, leading, teaching, and encouraging. My mother is all of those things and more. She always put my brother and me first (still does!). All of us have different experiences with our mothers (or perhaps as mothers), and we may have other women in our lives who have poured into us in mothering ways. Let’s take a minute to reflect on motherhood and how it has impacted us. I want to highlight nine famous mothers and some lessons they have to offer.

Famous mothers who are historical figures

Attributions, left to right:

• Gilbert Stuart, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
• National Portrait Gallery, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
• Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
• Photograph taken by Julian Calder for Governor-General of New Zealand, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Abigail Adams (1744-1818) – Strong-willed and politically savvy, she raised a future president and advocated for women’s rights.

Abigail Adams had no formal education, but she was an avid reader who explored a wide range of topics. As a child, she assisted her mother in caring for the poor and sick in their community. In 1764, she married John Adams, who later became the second president of the United States. While John traveled extensively for work, Abigail managed their farm and business affairs, proving herself to be both resourceful and independent.

A sharp political thinker in her own right, Abigail famously wrote to her husband during the First Continental Congress, urging him and his colleagues to “remember the ladies.” She warned, “Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember, all men would be tyrants if they could.” Passionate about women’s rights, she advocated for their legal protection and greater access to education—issues that were radical for her time.

Advice inspired by Abigail Adams: Raise your children to think independently and stand up for justice.

Sojourner Truth (1797-1883) – A mother who fought for freedom and women’s rights.

Sojourner Truth (born Isabella Bomfree) was born into slavery and endured being bought and sold four times. Forced into harsh labor and cruel punishments, she suffered greatly under the system that denied her freedom. As a teenager, she was forced into a marriage with an enslaved man, and together they had five children.

In 1827, determined to escape bondage, Sojourner fled with her infant daughter. An abolitionist family later purchased her freedom for twenty dollars and helped her successfully reclaim her five-year-old son, who had been illegally sold. In 1828, she moved to New York City and began working with a minister, eventually establishing a thriving ministry of her own.

A powerful orator, Sojourner became known for her passionate speeches on abolition, faith, and women’s rights. Her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech boldly challenged prevailing beliefs about race and gender, asserting the strength and dignity of Black women in a society that sought to silence them.

Advice inspired by Sojourner Truth: Never stop fighting for what’s right, for yourself and your children.

Marie Curie (1867-1934) – A brilliant scientist and devoted mother.

Marie Curie was a pioneering physicist best known for her groundbreaking research on radioactivity. She made history as the first woman to win a Nobel Prize—and remains the only woman to receive the honor in two different scientific fields.

Even in her youth, Marie stood out academically. She possessed an exceptional memory and excelled in mathematics and the sciences. In 1895, she married fellow scientist Pierre Curie, and together they pursued research that would change the course of science. The couple had two daughters, one of whom, Irène Joliot-Curie, would go on to become a Nobel Prize-winning scientist herself.

Marie dedicated her life to teaching, research, and exploring the medical applications of radioactivity. Tragically, her prolonged exposure to radiation led to her death, but her discoveries revolutionized scientific understanding and paved the way for future advancements in medicine and physics.

Advice inspired by Marie Curie: Show your children that curiosity and perseverance can change the world.

Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) – Navigated motherhood in the public eye while leading a nation.

Queen Elizabeth II reigned for 71 years, making her the longest-serving British monarch in history. Educated at home by private tutors, she grew up immersed in royal duties alongside her younger sister, Margaret. In addition to their studies, the sisters made public appearances and engaged in volunteer work, preparing Elizabeth for a life of service.

Her life took an unexpected turn in 1936 when her uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated, making her father, George VI, king. This pivotal event placed Elizabeth next in line, forever changing the course of her life. In 1953, at just 27 years of age, she was crowned.

Throughout her reign, Elizabeth worked with fifteen prime ministers and played a key role in modernizing the monarchy. She maintained a rigorous schedule, attending hundreds of engagements each year and supporting numerous charities and public programs. Beyond her royal duties, she was known for her deep love of animals—especially horses and her beloved corgis.

Advice inspired by Queen Elizabeth II: Balance duty with family.

Famous mothers from pop culture

Molly Weasley (Harry Potter) – Fiercely loving and protective.

Molly Weasley had seven children. A fabulous cook, she was known for showing hospitality and always making room for one more, often Harry Potter. Molly also had some serious skills in magic and fearlessly defended her family, even to the point of dueling formidable witches and wizards.

Quote: “Not my daughter, you [insert favorite insult]!”
Advice inspired by Molly Weasley: Love your children fiercely, but don’t be afraid to set them straight.

Carol Brady (The Brady Bunch) – Blended family guru.

This beloved sitcom aired in the early 1970s and featured a blended family with six children. The show avoided political commentary, but they addressed all sorts of family issues. Together they navigated teenage angst, sibling rivalry, character building, self image, and relationships. Mom Carol was always ready with a word of encouragement or creative problem-solving strategies.

Advice inspired by Carol Brady: Love is about embracing change and finding harmony in the chaos.

Lily Munster (The Munsters) – Eccentric but devoted.

This quirky sitcom aired in the 1960s. The Munsters were a Transylvanian-American family of friendly monsters who viewed themselves as typical Americans. Together they got up to all sorts of shenanigans, and they reinforced the important message that a person’s character matters more than appearance or background. Mom Lily, the voice of reason and care, was the ultimate wife and mother of her age.

Advice inspired by Lily Munster: Let your kids be their wonderfully weird selves.

Marge Simpson (The Simpsons) – The glue holding everything together.

This animated sitcom debuted in 1989 and was renewed for four additional seasons in 2025. The series highlights the misadventures of Homer and Marge and their three children. Marge is a stereotypical American stay-at-home mom. She leads her family through life lessons and endeavors to provide a sense of order amid the chaos.

Advice inspired by Marge Simpson: Patience, deep breaths, and the occasional sigh of exasperation go a long way.

Spiritual motherhood

Mother Teresa – The mother of the forgotten and the suffering.

I can’t think of motherhood without thinking of Mother Teresa. She embodied the spirit of motherhood in a profound way—caring for the sick, the poor, and the abandoned with deep compassion. She was a “mother” to countless people who needed love and care. Mother Teresa reminds us that motherhood isn’t just biological–it’s about nurturing and uplifting others.

Quote: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Advice inspired by Mother Teresa: Love unconditionally, serve selflessly, and see the divine in everyone you meet.

Questions to ponder:

• What lessons have you learned from a mother figure in your life?
• If you are a mother, what have you learned through mothering?

I’ve had fun pondering these mothers. None of them is perfect. They all made mistakes and tough choices. But we can certainly learn something from their stories.

What other famous mothers can you think of, and what have they taught you?

Please comment below with your ideas. I would love to hear your thoughts!

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Fondly,

Crysti