What's Special About Mom? NK Responds

We checked in with a few people in North Kingstown over the past couple of days to hear their thoughts about their moms. If you'd like to weigh in, it's not too late – you can do it in the comments section.

Happy Mother's Day, North Kingstown!

Town Council President Liz Dolan about her mother, Marguerite:

"Wow ... this will be the sixth Mother's Day since my mother passed away....always a bittersweet day. My all-Italian mother (Marguerite Dagata) was vivacious, tenacious, and lived a full life that included traveling much of the world with my Dad, and landing her one-and-only hole in one on her beloved golf course at the age of 79. When she died in November, 2007, my father followed her only 48 days later (and they had been married for 48 years). My four children were blessed with her love and enthusiasm for them, and I believe she really does continue to live within me and her grandchildren."

Michael Florio, lifelong NK resident, about his mother, Gayle:

"She’s the most wonderful person. She is just there for me. [What makes her special?] Man, just everything, everything.... Every day I try to be a better husband, father and son. That desire comes from what my mother taught me growing up. She is the stone I lean on."

Lynda Avanzato, NK School Committee member, about her mother, Ellie:

"She’s a great combination of gentleness and strength. She and her sister suffered from polio as children. The strength of this woman – she never complains. A very resilient and strong person. She’s just a fabulous mother, the perfect blend of discipline and love."

Tracey McCue, NK resident, about her mother, Eleanor:

"My mom is the epitome of a strong independent woman. She was the original Rosie the Riverter – she worked at Quonset Air Base as a mechanical assistant. She worked on the war planes. The stories. ... she was one little hot tomato! And she's very smart. She just taught me that you can do whatever you want to do and be independent." 

Dave Kenyon, Taylor Rental go-to guy for the past 34 years, about his mother, Dorothy

"She was a teacher for 22 years, so she was very organized and very on time with everything. And always had us the same way."

Shannon MacDonald, grew up in NK, works at West Bay Y, about her mother, Susan:

"My mom is great. She’s very understanding and she’s supportive, always there if I need something. I’m the youngest and the only girl. I’m a lot like her, very talkative, very friendly. She’s a great cook – she cooks everything … which I picked up too."

Sebastian Shoup, 13, NK resident about his mother, 

"I really love my mom. She’s just all around amazing. She takes time out of her day to drive me everywhere! When I’m sick, she takes really great care of me. She loves animals."