just like you when I scold or lecture the kids or grandkids. How do you do that? Love you, Mary DOLLY ROSSOW
MOTHER’S DAY TRIBUTE
GERRY O’BRIEN Gerry O’Brien is
She spent her later years in assisted living and eventually a nursing home. My mom was one of the kindest, most loving women you could ever meet. It was heartbreaking to witness her memories slowly fade away due to such a cruel disease. But we hold tight to the beautiful ones she created for us.
the mother of both Commercial Lines agent Maryanne O’Brien and Personal Lines agent John O’Brien. She had eight kids and dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She, a nurse, and her husband Jim, an insurance agent, provided a loving home that was both nurturing and a safe atmosphere for their children to grow up in. This is probably why five out of their eight kids followed Jim’s footsteps into the insurance business, and two followed her into nursing! She was a woman of immense compassion and unshakable faith. She taught her kids to take care of what they needed to, but don’t forget to enjoy life … and maybe a little chocolate. Unfortunately, we lost her this past summer, but her loving memory and spirit live on and continue to guide her family. ELLIE LEBLANC time of her passing in 2013, she was a grandmother to four and a great-grandmother to one precious grandson. She passed away after a long battle with dementia. My mom was an amazing cook, and this picture captures her in her happy place, the kitchen. She had a strong work ethic and wore many hats throughout her life: She worked in a mental health field office, drove a school bus for many years, served as a switchboard operator at a major hospital, and even worked part time as a florist. She also loved to craft and sew. We lost our dad in 2005, and heartbreakingly, one of her sons passed away that same year. The emotional toll accelerated the progression of her dementia. My mom, Ellie, was married to my dad for over 50 years. Together, they raised five children. At the
To My Beautiful Mom, When I think of love, I think of you. Fierce, loyal, passionate love — the
kind that always made me feel safe, seen, and so deeply cared for. Even now, at 30, you still treat me like your little girl, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. You left everything familiar in Tarragona, Spain — your language, your culture, your family — to start a life here with Dad. That courage, that sacrifice, is something I carry with me every day. You worked hard and long hours, yet somehow gave me a childhood full of magic — dance, ice skating, piano, theater, travel, and so much laughter. You gave me everything, not just in what you provided but in who you are: strong, brilliant, generous, and full of heart. You’re my mom, my best friend, and my role model. Now, seeing you thrive in retirement — happy, healthy, and living life your way — fills me with pride and peace. You deserve every moment of it. Thank you for everything, Mom. I love you more than words could ever say. NOREEN HILLS My sister, Noreen, is eight years older than me, so she always behaved like my second mother. She is still the first person I want to speak with every morning, the person I turn to for advice, and the person whom I most admire. Noreen loves her life, and she lives it to the fullest! She is not afraid of anything … except for mice. She is always ready with a practical joke, a speeding ticket, parasailing, swimming with manatees, or sinking a motorboat on a lake. I only wish we lived closer to each other so we could spend more time together — though we’d probably get into too much trouble.
JOYCE VERMOST My mom has always led with love,
consistently putting family above all else. Whether it was making sure we had clean clothes,
home-cooked meals, or cheering us on from the sidelines — she was there. (She even gave wrestling a try once!) Her unwavering presence and selflessness made all the difference. That same generous spirit lives on today as she continues to give back, volunteering her time and helping those in need. I am truly blessed to call her my mom. Thank you for everything you’ve done — and continue to do. Happy Mother’s Day! CAROL BORGESON
My mom is the person I look up to most in the world. She is funny, kind, and always lending a helping hand to friends and family. She has been there for me growing
up and even now as an adult. We go out for breakfast almost every Saturday and take many trips together (including a train to NYC to see “Hamilton” on Broadway!). I am lucky to have her as a mother. CARMEN RIVERA Mom, You taught me
EVERYTHING! I miss you terribly, and I miss you the most when I am at the beach without
you (it will always be our HAPPY place). But … the trick where your voice and words come out of my mouth and sound
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