Things We Learned From Mom
Our mothers taught of us so much, it’s difficult to find any one single thing to highlight. But that’s the challenge put to our staff this year!
Read on…
Claire Rozett Schneider 1913-2010
Claire, my (Deb’s) mother, grew up in the Hungarian neighborhood of Manhattan. The Hungarian relatives and friends were a chatty, gossipy, happy sort of bunch who loved to dance the Czardas and socialize. Even though my grandparents were poor, they were hard working and my mother had beautiful gowns (sewn by my grandmother) to wear to the Opera. She also went horseback riding in Prospect Park in full attire, and generally had a lot of fun.
She delightfully combined her zest for life with determination and love, always involved in some cause, be it selling War Bonds during WWII, helping with JFK’s campaign for senator, or being a volunteer social worker in her older years, just to name a few of her many endeavors. What I learned from her was that you should enjoy life to the fullest, but you must always give back and take care of others.
My (Rachel’s) mom taught me a trick to help remember how to spell dessert vs. desert:
Dessert has two S’s, and they stand for Strawberry Shortcake. Desert has one S and it stands for Sand.
Mary Anne Mahoney 1930 - 2025
I (Jane) learned from my mom that a thoughtfully set table can elevate any meal…and no condiment bottles on the table!
Like my dad, I (Ann-Marie) was always a night owl and my mother would often say,
“Ann, you better go to bed so you can get up in the morning.”
Martha Lou Addison (1930 - 2018)
My (Jenny’s) mom, Martha, was smart, classy, and had great taste. She loved to go antiquing and to estate sales and she also knew how to throw a great party! She taught me the value of our family sitting together around the table and the importance of good table manners. She was a great cook. When I was 12 years old, she was in a terrible ski accident and broke her leg in 6 places. She was in a hip-to-toe cast so that is when I learned to cook for our family. She told me what to do step by step. I learned so much from her. Thanks, Mom!
My (Angie’s) mother taught me that anything is possible. She showed me how to sew and create things with my hands, but she also taught me how to be kind, empathetic, and open-hearted. Most importantly, she reminded me not to take life too seriously, to laugh at myself, and to find joy in the little moments.
Because of her, I’ve learned that life is not just about what you accomplish, but how you treat others and how much lightness you carry along the way.
Kate’s mom offers:
Lipstick, always!
Hospital corners on beds are required
Only buy it if you LOVE it
My (Susan’s) mother shared with us the importance of family and remembering where you came from. She was an only child who didn't have the wonderful childhood she created for her kids. She has worked tirelessly to research our family's history and organize family reunions. We are so thankful for all she does for our family.
Here is a favorite family photo where she was able to get everyone to cooperate except me.