Last updated on: July 24, 2025
Euphemia McLean was the mother of renowned actor Sean Connery. She led a modest life in Scotland. She was known to be a strong, working woman. Her life is simple but powerful.
Quick Facts About Euphemia McLean
| Full Name | Euphemia McBain McLean (also known as Effie McLean) |
| Birthdate | 17 March 1908 |
| Occupation | Laundry/Cleaning Woman |
| Husband/Wife | Joseph Connery (Factory Worker and Lorry Driver) |
| Died | 2 April 1985 |
| Age (at death) | 77 years |
| Parents | Father: Neil McLean (Platelayer); Mother: Not Known |
| Grandchildren | Jason Connery |
| Children | Sons: Sean Connery, Neil Connery |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life
Euphemia was born on March 17, 1908, in Scotland. Her name was Euphemia McBain McLean, though she was known as Effie to friends and family.
She had roots from a Scottish family. Her father, Neil McLean, was a railway worker in Fife. He was born in Edinburgh. Euphemia’s grandfather, John McLean, was from the Isle of Skye. His native language was Gaelic, a classical Scottish language. Her mother’s grandmother, Helen Ross, was from Grandtully in Perthshire.
So, Effie was of mixed Highland and Lowland Scottish descent. She came from a background steeped in tradition and pride.
Working Life
Prior to marriage, Euphemia was a laundry and cleaning woman. Both jobs were hard but typical of working women during the day. She had little but worked every day.
She resided in Fountainbridge, which was a working-class neighborhood in Edinburgh. The life there wasn’t comfortable, but she took the best out of it.
Marriage and Family
On 28th December 1928, Euphemia married Joseph Connery. He worked as a factory worker and lorry driver. His family had Irish origins. They both had a modest but honest living.
They had at least two sons. They had an older son, Thomas Sean Connery, born on August 25, 1930. He went on to become the first actor to portray James Bond. They needed a younger son named Neil Connery, born in 1938.
Effie loved her children very much. She ensured that they were taught to appreciate hard work. She provided them with love, support, and discipline.
Influence on Sean Connery
Sean Connery was always very proud of his mother. He lived in a small house with not much money. But he learned a lot from her.
Effie taught him to be a strong and respectful person. She kept him humble even when he became a superstar.
Sean had many jobs before becoming an actor. Effie stuck with him every step of the way. She believed in him even when others did not.
Her Heritage and Roots
Euphemia’s family was really Scottish. Her dad worked on the railways. Her granddad was from the Isle of Skye. He talked Gaelic, which not many people talk today.
Her granny Helen Ross was from Perthshire in the countryside. These areas are steeped in Scottish culture. Effie’s life mirrored these strong roots.
She taught her children these things, particularly Sean. He lived with his Scottish pride his whole life.
Later Years and Death
Euphemia spent most of her life out of the limelight, remaining in Scotland while Sean became popular worldwide.
She passed away on April 2, 1985, at the age of 77. She died five years before her husband, Joseph.
Although she was not a celebrity, Effie’s life had a tremendous impact. She raised one of the greatest actors of his generation.
READ ALSO: Sean Connery Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Recalling Euphemia McLean
Euphemia McLean was not famous. She was a worker, a mother, and a proud Scottish woman. Her life might appear to be plain, but it was rich with purpose.
She demonstrated that love, strength, and tradition can create a wonderful life. Her life reminds us that even the quietest lives can leave a big legacy.
