Photo Gallery | World's Greatest Moms

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Tuesday, May 1st, 2012, 11:35am

Rita Nelson

If ever there was a poster child who embodied what it means to embrace life and lead by example my mom would have to be it! As a child you can’t begin to understand or appreciate who your mom is. As you grow up, move out and have a family of your own your eyes really open and you begin to see all the life lessons, the sacrifices the “cement” that held the family together. It was mom! Born and raised in Lackawanna, the youngest of seven, mom has been a wonderful teller of tales both personal and historical. (My mother knew and prayed with Father Baker!) She lost both of her parents by the age of 18. Mom was forever grateful to her older sister who took her in where she lived until she married my dad. As mom would say “these are the things that shape your life and the best thing you can do is trust in God and move forward”. From the time I was very young, I remember my mom volunteering with the Highland Hose Ladies Auxiliary and her work through our church – visiting young mothers, working for charitable causes. Of course this all seemed like an adventure for me because it usually ended up with a stop at the Tastee Freeze for ice cream! During Christmas and Easter vacations, mom took my sister and me to BINGO where sometimes to our delight, we won! It has only been through my adult eyes that I can truly appreciate the woman my mother is. By her loving example and altruism, mom taught me to have a heart for others. When my first child was born, mom babysat part time so I could return to work. What a relief that was! Mom would often do a load of wash for me or have a pot of potatoes cooking on the stove – always finding a way to lighten my load. Her love of music and dance made for happy times no matter what the occasion. Her positive outlook is refreshing and contagious! (cont'd)

Margaret Anderson

Rita Nelson and Luigi

My mother’s unwavering faith in God has been a gift not only to me but to others she has helped through trying times. At age 92, my mom still enjoys bowling weekly, exercising with her senior friends, line dancing and singing at nursing homes for the “old folks”. She cooks one day a week at the Evans Senior Center and along with her good friend, Marge (also an awesome mom) she organizes day trips for the seniors to various WNY sites. Mom is an avid Sabres and Bills fan, which translated into season-long celebrations and critiques – win or lose! She has also volunteered her time with RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). Every Mother’s Day is more precious than the last as we get to celebrate with this amazing lady. I am so proud to call her my mom!

Margaret Anderson

Donna Naedele

I know without a doubt that I have the greatest mother. My mother, Donna Naedele, is 76 years old, and the mother of 5. I am the youngest. I was an unexpected child for my parents when my mother was 40. They had divorced for 5 years, realized they loved each other still, remarried, and had me! My father, who she had known since she was 5 years old, passed away 3 years ago, but nothing slows my mom down. She is the co pastor of the church she and my father founded 30 years ago. She travels to Bangladesh and India once a year to continue the missionary work my parents started, she runs the childrens departement at our church, and wouldn't think twice about dressing up as a super hero 'Verse Woman' to teach the kids a Bible verse. She's a mom who is always there for me, and my kids, and the rest of her family. Oh, did I mention she's 76? I want to be her when I grow up!

Nancie Orticelli

Doris Bodine

I believe my mother is the World’s Greatest Mom and here’s why: Her name is Doris Bodine and resides in Batavia NY. She is 84yrs. young and still going strong, even after giving birth to and raising 14 (yes 14) children! I am the youngest and even at my age she still refers to me as the “baby” of the family! She has ALWAYS been there for us. After all how could you find a babysitter for all those kids? She has had her times of sorrow through losing 2 of her children to tragedy and her husband to a lengthy illness, but has always managed to stay strong for us. I know we were never easy for her, yet she manages to remain a wonderful and loving mother throughout the years. I speak for all of my siblings when I say “We wouldn’t change a thing!”

Stacy Smith

Anita Braun

Worlds greatest mom... This seems to be more than a title, it is a description, no a definition. My mother, the one person I have the utmost admiration for in this world deserves this title. Through the many little amazing things i see her do for my brother and I each and everyday, the hours she gives up, when she could be relaxing but she is siting out at a sports game or a volunteer event, are the reasons she deserves this title. I always know i can talk to her about anything, she can always make me laugh and my friends always tell me how lucky i am to have her as my mom. It has taken me a while but i really am lucky my mother would give an arm and leg for someone who needs help and she would give up anything for my brother or I. Yes I may not be the best daughter and I can do so much more to lift some weight from her shoulders, this one day is not enough to give her, to tell her how much I do appreciate everything she does. Take this day to apologize for all the times I've talked back, refused to talked, locked her out been rude, and just flat out a teenager. Everytime we disagree and we don't talk for a while, I will always know at the end of the day you will still be there. I love you you are my mom nobody can ever change that. That is why my mother deserves the title worlds greatest mother.

Stephanie Braun

Lucille Pollina

How do I sum up my mom, Lucille Pollina, in a hundred words? I was stricken with appendicitis on her birthday many years ago. Instead of being showered with gifts and love and adoration she was instead showered with a 13 year old's reaction to anesthesia. She stayed with me all night in the hospital, not caring for her arthritic back but only for me. She gave birth to 5 amazing girls, raised us single-handedly and still, though we're all in our 30's and 40's, never misses an opportunity to be our mom. Listening to us, advising us when we need it, backing off when we don't. Telling us that just because we were girls it didn't mean we couldn't throw a wicked curve ball, though she, herself, throws like a girl ;) Even approaching 70 years of age she is a ball of fire. Sicilian energy at its finest, she works full time at the SA Shelter in downtown Buffalo. She never misses one of her grand kid's events, parties, graduations, plays, missing teeth, she jumps on every opportunity to show them all that she's there for them, but doesn't go against what we, her daughters, are trying to instill in them. She has nothing, gives everything, and is packaged in a parcel so small that she can't even reach the top shelf in my freezer. My mom, who knows every cooking trick in the book, who can cure anything ailment, who has seen her share of adversity and overcome obstacles that would kill a weaker soul., and still cries at the National Anthem. I'm sure every kid believes their mom is the greatest, but I know my mom leads that flock. I love you Mama. <3

Maria Zwiefka

MaryAnn Lewandowski

Growing up my mom had a terrible childhood that most of us couldn't imagine living through. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she decided that was not the life she wanted for her children and became a true example that our past does not have to dictate our future. My mom always made everyday a celebration and gave us more than we could ask for. She wasn't your typical "June Cleaver" mom - she was better. We knew how to have fun and make the most of everyday, but also learned to be compassionate and put family about everything else.

Pam Coniglio

Sherry Schmahl

I, like many, think my mom is the world's greatest. Mom was born in Windsor Ont on July 14th 1941, she quickly moved with her family to a small town called Cedar Springs Ont and began life farming, She worked very hard in the fields until she was 20 and moved to the big city of Toronto. She came to Niagara Falls to shop one day and met a police patrolman walking the beat on Old Falls St. They fell in love and married on Dec 27th 1961. She moved to the US and started a family. Having 4 small children under the age of 6 at one time. She kept our home spotless and handmade most of our clothing. Mom is 70 now and still cooking, cleaning, and sewing. She babysits my nephew who is 5 everyday while his parents work. Keeps my grandson over night on a regular basis and is always helping all of her children with anything they need. She is still very strong and has the energy of a 20 yr old.

Kristine Minteer

Joan Stedem Keller

She has raised 6 children, and she must have done something right since we all live within 10 miles of her! She is always here for us, kind words, and advise. She has more energy at 80, then any of us, who range from 41-54 years of age. Mom swims every morning at the Tonawanda Aquatic center, puts my sister twins on the bus for school, and plays cards at the senior center. She still is friends with her high school , Mount Saint Mary's, "club" though most have passed away. Her Faith in God is unmatched by anyone's. She is truly an inspiration to us all! If I can be half the mother to my children as she was to all of us I will be blessed! Love you Mom!

Kathy Keller Massey

Kristen Coffee

My wife rocks. We have an 8 year old biological son and adopted 2 babies with down syndrome this past year. She has spent many nights in the hospital through two heart surgeries, RSV and still managed to keep the balance at home!! Elijah our 11 month old in the picture had open heart surgery in January. In March he got RSV (respiratory virus that can be fatal) he continued to get worse and with his down syndrome he takes longer than other kids to get better and had to be put on high flow oxygen. After two weeks with no improvement my wife demanded an echo of his heart ( which we had asked for several times) and it in fact showed a pericardial effusion (sac around the heart that can crush it). After steroidal treatment didn't work we were transferred back to Strong Memorial Hospital for another heart surgery. My wife has worked so hard with both babies that they are advanced from where they should be. She worked so hard to get him to bottle and two weeks ago he was able to get his G Tube out!! She rocks ;)

David Coffee

Mary Anne Dains

I am pretty sure the World’s Greatest Mom is Mine...Mary Anne Dains. She is a mom of 3 and a "Nani" to my beautiful niece Jadyn and the wife to my amazing dad. She is not just a mom she is my best friend and someone who you can always count on to lend a helping hand not just to our family but to our friends and the community. She is always willing to give you anything and everything just so that no one goes without. She can cheer you up when you're down, make you smile when you're sad, and make you feel better when you are sick. She is the most amazing mom any kid could ask for. I couldn't love anyone more in this world than her. Happy Mother's day!!! Photo attached my mom and dad (celebrating 40 years of marriage this year.)

Kati Dains

Donna Lanphear

As far back as I can remember as a child, my Mom always did so much for growing up. She is the most caring, loving Woman I know. She babysat my children for me for years and is the best Grandmother to my children. My mother now suffers from Lou Gehrig's disease. She hasn't been able to speak in over a year. I commend my Mom for staying with us and fighting each and every day. I am so proud of her and that she is my Mom. Mrs. Donna Lanphear to me is the best Mom in the world!

Julie Hill

Denise Weatherall

Hi im 23 years old and i believe my mom is the greatest mom. My mom was basically a single mom raising 2 girls, she worked 3 jobs, was a girl scout leader, and a church school teacher. She did everything she could for her family to support them and have fun at the same time, she never missed a baseball game or dance recital. At times i never wanted to listen to my mom but now i look back and think and say to myself thank you mom so much you have taught me alot, now that im a mother myself i will use all your tricks and be the greatest mom to my son as you were with us girls. I LOVE YOU MOMMY.

Jena Radosky

Kristina Eastman

I would like to nominate my eldest daughter, Kristina. Due to circumstances she lives at home with us. Being a “new” Mom to baby Gavin at 5 months old, she’s taking to motherhood, like a fish takes to water. The bond between the two of them is just a joy to watch as they seem to have their own thing going on! His eyes get as big as saucers and the squeals of delight begins as she walks in the door from work! It’s magical and such a blessing to witness 

Teresa Eastman, A proud “gram-gram”

Carol Benzique

my mother (far right) is the greatest mom! She is always putting others before herself. She is my hero! She is the most down to earth, sincere person I have EVER known. She just had her 70th birthday this past February and I am grateful she was here for it. Her health isn’t the greatest, in fact we thought we would lose her last year when she was in the hospital for a month. I hope to share many more Mother’s Days with her and am blessed beyond the words I could write that she IS MY MOM!

Julie Bezinque

Maria Castellano

My mother Maria Castellano was a single mother raising 3 girls but she was always there to support us through anything that we went through and still helps us to this day. I remember she would come up with crazy fun activities or things for us to do for fun when we were little. There was a day when we were all at home and Mom decided to bake a cake for us. She came up with the idea of making us an "unbirthday" cake and made homemade number candles out of twizzlers for each of us. It was one of the greatest parties we had! Now she spends her time coming up with things to do with my kids! My Mom is the greatest mother and grandmother there is! Thanks Mom for everything that you have done for us! Love Mia <3

Merari Tirado

Nancy Brown

The greatest mom in the world is Nancy Brown. Although she passed away very recently and much too young, her memory and the things she has taught us will stay with us forever. She was an amazing person and a great mom to her kids, and a mother figure even to those who were not her own. Everyone could call her Mom.

Sarah Hageman

Rebecca Brown

To Whom this may concern: I wanted to tell you a little but about my mom, she is 31 years old, about to get married to my step father, she is up every morning making sure we have a hot breakfast before school, she drives us to school, goes home to get ready herself and heads to work or school. She stays up late at night to make sure we are ready to go for the next day. She has the most beautiful eyes that lets us know that she loves us with all her being. I am proud to be her daughter.

Maureen and Jillian

Barbara Doland

My name is Crystal Doland, I am 24 years old, and I am writing to tell you about my best friend, my mother. My mother, Barbara Doland, is 47 years old. She has been a dedicated house wife and mother for 25 years. My mother is not the normal typical mother as most would think. When i was born my mom had no idea that I was going to be unhealthy. When I began walking, my mother began noticing how much I was struggling to stand-up and take a few steps, this is where the journey begins. Read the rest of Crystal’s story here: http://jamestown.wgrz.com/news/commentary/65611-greatest-mom-world