Celebrating

MOMS!

A MOTHER’S DAY TRIBUTE

Mother’s Day lets the most important woman in people’s lives know how greatly appreciated she is. Mothers are trusted confidants, best friends and ongoing support systems. The LW Weekly would like to take this opportunity to celebrate mothers’ love in the following memories of—and tributes to—those mothers and maternal figures who cultivate a thriving world of potential in their children.

Fred Fenton, Mutual 12

Mother was a pioneer woman doctor. She was the only woman in her medical school class of 1926, and the “boys” took every opportunity to tease her. Although my mother was a staunch Christian, her church in Los Angeles during her medical schooling was no more supportive than her classmates. Not only was she reminded that a woman’s place was in the home, but—even more bluntly—she was also informed that no Christian woman would ever think of giving a medical exam to a man!

At a time when most women in America were homemakers, Mother had all the responsibilities of working women today. She was a full-time professional, as well as a wife, mother, homemaker, Sunday school superintendent and community volunteer. Although I may not have seen as much of her as some other children saw their mothers, I never doubted her love for me.

In the seventh grade, I enjoyed taking my turn running the U.S. flag up the pole in front of my school. I was overweight, described by an internist as a “good feeder.” One morning, happily performing my flag duty, I leaned over and felt the rear seam of my cotton pants rip. What to do? I walked sideways to the front entrance of the school, keeping my back to some bushes. Once inside, I continued walking sideways along the hall to the front office. Mother was with a patient when her secretary interrupted. “Frederick’s on the phone, Dr. Helen. He says he must talk with you.” As soon as she understood my predicament, mother said, “I’m coming. Stay right where you are.” Leaving an office full of patients, she drove across town to our home to get another pair of pants and then came to the school office to rescue me. She stood blocking the view while I slipped out of one pair of pants and into another.

That did not turn out to be the only time mother helped me slip out of trouble! She lived to be 93 and died in 1994. You can imagine how much I loved her.

Amparo Cruson, Mutual 6

Daughers Liana Fjellstrom and Sonia Johnson and the whole family wish Amparo Cruson of Mutual 6 a Happy Mother’s Day. “We would like to say this about Amparo: To the world, you are our mama and grandma. But to our family, you are our world! We love you so much and treasure this day of celebrating mothers with you.”

Sylvia Schiada, Mutual 1

My mother, Catherine, raised herself from the age of 16 after her mother passed. Her dream was to become a nurse, live in Hawaii and have four children, all of which came true. Besides working full-time as a registered nurse in the newborn nursery, on her days off, she supported our family’s printing business. At home, she taught us how to cook and clean. She played piano and the accordion and provided an environment full of art and music. Though our family weathered hardships, her courage and fortitude kept us steady. As our moral compass, her influence was governed by love and by which we learned lifelong lessons to practice hospitality and to keep our word. Her example of faith is revered by all who know her, and that’s one of many reasons why she is special.

Yvonne B. Leon, Mutual 12

My mother, Ethel May Anderson Baxter, was an amazing woman. She was born on May 1, 1914, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In 1932, she was accepted at Calgary General Hospital to become an registered nurse.

Mom meant the world to me. I had juvenile arthritis, and she spent a great deal of her time caring for me in addition to my older brother and her husband. She was so devoted to the family.

Mary Martinez, Mutual 9

Steve Martinez of Mutual 9, the son of Mary Martinez, writes: “My mother is special because of the deep religious faith that has sustained her since childhood. She stays grounded through daily prayer and Bible reading.

“She speaks proudly of her children, her remaining daughter and a son, who also lives in Leisure World. She reminisces about her own mother, five sisters and a daughter—all of whom have passed on.”

Joan Rose, Mutual 12

My mom has been gone for 21 years, and I still miss her. She was my best friend and the best mother anyone could have asked for. She was always there for me, through my teenage trauma years and my marriage problems. She and my dad took me back home twice after I failed at two marriages.

When I called her after my second marriage failed and told her that I was left with four kids to support and no money, she simply said, “Come home.” I don’t know what I would have done without her.

She was strong. After my dad passed, she was independent and kept a big garden and yard, even in her 80s. She played the piano every day, and her love of music was passed down to me, her grandkids and great-grandkids.

She made most of my clothes when I was a girl and excelled at sewing and crocheting. Her meals were superb, and we never went hungry. She taught me how to cook and sew, and always encouraged me in whatever I wanted to do. Her family was No. 1, and she always made holidays so special. When we moved from Utah to Los Angeles, she went to work with my dad at North American Aviation for 12 years until her retirement.

Whatever I am in life, I credit her for giving me a strong sense of self-worth and independence. She really was the wind beneath my wings.

Anna Derby, Mutual 5

My mother, Bok Nyu Lee, was a wonderful, caring person. Mother’s Day 2022 is very special to Korean mothers because in Korea, Mother’s Day was always May 8. It was officially designated as the day for the annual Mother’s Day celebration in Korea in 1956. This went on until 1973, when Parents’ Day replaced Mother’s Day. I stayed in Korea till 1981 before immigrating to the U.S., but I remember people celebrated Mother’s Day on May 8, not Parents’ Day. This year, Mother’s Day happens to be on May 8. On top of that, it is on Sunday! When Mother’s Day comes around, my heart aches at how difficult a life my mother had, raising seven children under tough circumstances. My parents worked from dawn till dark every day with no holidays or weekends because they couldn’t afford to close the store that provided the family’s livelihood.

At least my mother lived long enough to see her children become hard-working adults with close families, building our lives as proud citizens all over the world. Once the nest was empty, my mother enrolled in adult education because when she was growing up, girls weren’t offered higher education. It took her a couple of years to graduate. It was a big moment for her, walking across the stage in a cap and gown. I remember her smile from the graduation ceremony picture. She was proud of her accomplishment, and we all knew how much it meant for her to achieve that milestone.

My mother was an example of sincere, resilient determination. She was always looking to build a better tomorrow. We’ve all learned to be like our mom.

As I was planning the Golden Age Foundation Centenarian Celebration April 20, I remembered my own mom would be 105 years old if she were alive. She lived to be 89 years old, but we still miss her dearly.

Regina DeLeon, Mutual 9

Regina DeLeon’s son Reggie DeLeon writes: “I thank God every day for blessing me with a mother who is the most selfless, generous and compassionate person I know.

“She always puts others before herself, making sure everyone around her is taken care of. Perhaps it’s because she worked as a registered nurse for nearly 40 years after immigrating from the Philippines in the 1960s. She eventually attained the highest position as director of nurses.

“But I think her kind and caring nature is what made her such a successful nurse and what makes her the best mother in the world. So this Mother’s Day, I just want her to feel as loved and as cared for as she’s made me and everyone lucky enough to know her feel.”

Mercedes Lizarraga, Mutual 15 Diana and Steve Felszeghy want to pay tribute to their aunt, Mercedes “Mercy” Lizarraga, of Mutual 15: “She has been a mother to me and my brothers ever since my own mother passed away in 1968. Mercy is a person with a great and generous heart. She was there for us at every milestone of our lives.

“She took us on vacation trips to see the Grand Canyon, Catalina Island, the World’s Fair in Spokane, Disneyland and many places that we probably never would have seen.

The family loves her and appreciates her.”

Anna Derby of Mutual 5 (left) is standing next to her mom with her dad and older sisters and brothers.

Mercedes Lizarrago of Mutual 15 with Steve and Diana Felszeghy.

Regina DeLeon

Mary Martinez of Mutual 9 is a loving and steadfast mom to her son, Steve.