Michael O’Shea and Lori Betker were high school sweethearts who met at Troy High School in Fullerton, CA, in 1971. Through college, post-graduate educational, and career endeavors, they continued to connect and keep in touch. Lori received her degree in public administration from San Diego State. Mike graduated from UC Irvine in 1976 with a biochemistry degree and then completed his residency in podiatry at USC LA County.

 

Mike and Lori were married in 1983. Their daughter, Heather, was born soon after, followed by Ryan and Amy. They were all close in age, and all went to Diamond Bar High School. Ultimately termed the Diamond Bar Village, their family remains close and in touch with many of their friends from that area, and many have slowly trickled down to the beach.

 

The O’Shea kids were no strangers to hard work. They were introduced early to volunteering, charity work, selling raffle tickets at Kiwanis Club fundraisers, Chamber of Commerce non-profits, holiday gifting for the needy, pancake breakfasts, Turning Point for Families, and the Sheriff’s youth activities league. More recently, they have volunteered their time and talents to the Walnut Humanitarian and Medical Mission working at a Clinic/Orphanage in Tecate, Mexico. This opportunity turned out to be a true, life-learning experience.

 

All three of the O’Shea children have post-graduate degrees. Heather received her undergraduate degree from USC and her Master’s from Georgetown. Amy attended Purdue University and received her Master’s degree from Indiana University. Ryan attended USC for both undergraduate and medical school. Both Heather and Amy have worked at a school/clinic in Uganda, Africa, while Ryan volunteered in Costa Rica building a school. For a time, Heather worked in the Bush White House, and Amy worked for the Obama administration. With a house divided, it made for very interesting discussions at the dinner table, but all points were formidable. Ryan remained neutral throughout, but the friendly banter was always appreciated. These days, Heather works in consulting, Amy works for a non-profit in electrical vehicle transition, and Ryan is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon in Del Mar.

 

Since moving to Lido eight years ago, Mike and Lori’s family has blossomed. Ryan married his college sweetheart Taylor, and Amy married Todd Gower, who are both incredible additions to the O’Shea family. Mike and Lori are now proud grandparents to three fantastic grandchildren, Callum, Caroline, and Eliza, and they hope for many more.

 

According to Mike and Lori, life doesn’t get any better than when they have the whole gang over for an extended stay on Lido Isle. Todd plays the guitar and banjo, Amy and Taylor play guitars, and Heather plays the piano. Backyard jam sessions on the steps are always a lot of fun. When they get together in March, they also partake in a favorite family tradition, making Irish Soda Bread. When the kids were younger, the O’Sheas often delivered platters of Irish Soda Bread to the kids’ classrooms and Mike’s office. The O’Shea family recipe has been passed down for generations and is the recipe Lori has used ever since they were married. With deep Irish roots, Mike always enjoys celebrating and sharing his Irish heritage. His father, Michael Patrick O’Shea, immigrated to New York from County Cork, Ireland in 1935, and his mom was from Galway in County Clare. Continuing the Irish traditions that he grew up with and passing those on to his children and now grandchildren is something he and Lori look forward to throughout the year.

 

When Mike and Lori are not spending time with family, you might find them riding bikes to Huntington Beach, paddle boarding, whale watching, or Duffying to dinner. Mike and Lori also enjoy being involved with the Lido community. Mike is active in the men’s club and Yacht Club and enjoys hosting the men around St Patrick’s Day at their home. He is the quality care leader for Whittier Hospital and was previously on the Board of LICA, the Sheriff Youth Activity League, and the Kiwanis Club. Lori has been active in the women’s club and has served as a Vice President.

 

Moving to Lido eight years ago has been a blessing for the O’Shea family. “We love all our neighbors and friends on Lido and will never imagine leaving,” says Mike. Their family has flourished and continues to grow. Must be the Irish luck!