Susan Lafferty Is Cinnaminson Patch's Mom Of The Year

CINNAMINSON, NJ — Last week we asked you to nominate a mother who you feel should be Cinnaminson Patch's Mom Of The Year in honor of Mother's Day. Susan Lafferty was the clear-cut choice.

This is from her daughter, Moira Lafferty:

"I could name a million reasons as to why my mom is special, but I’ll only name a few. For the past 34 years, my mom has been a special educator at Archway Programs. She began as a teacher, then made her way to the principal, and is now currently the director of education. I am an elementary and special education, so I work at the school as well. When I walk through the halls, it is truly amazing. It gets very annoying being known as 'the boss’s daughter,; but it also comes with a lot of pride. The staff in the school looks up to and respects my mom in ways that are almost inexplicable. They come up to me and will tell me how amazing they feel to work in a school that is run by my mom, and that she is truly the best. Words that make me so very proud to be the 'boss’s daughter.'

"This past fall, I studied abroad in Galway, Ireland. I really didn’t expect my mom to be on board with me going an ocean away, but she supported me 100%. I was never nervous to go, but on the way to the Philadelphia Airport, I remember it was so sunny that day. I wore sunglasses, and it’s a good thing that I did. I started to cry, just a little but the sunglasses hid the tears. I thought to myself, 'what am I going to do… 4 months without my mom?' But then I realized, she’s only a phone call away. When we arrived to the airport, I was nervous because I hate planes, especially 8 hour long flights, and my mom comforted me and helped me check in my bags. After that, I said hugged my dad and said hi, while my brother just kind of stood there. We don’t get along, but my mom yelled, 'Seamus, say good-bye to your sister.' So he came over and hugged me good-bye, and I turned around and she was in tears. She says, 'wow Moira you’re leaving for four months and that’s not even making me cry, but that hug did.' I was appalled, but it shows how much she loves us both and wants us to get along, but she knows its not the easiest task.

"Fast-forward 3 months, I am on my way to a pub in Galway to meet my parents and aunt and uncle who are visiting me. We were going to watch the Eagles vs. Broncos game (a big deal because it was rare to find American Football in Ireland). On my way there I was so uncontrollably excited to see my mom. After spending a week listening to her complain about the proper way to make a gin and sprite, it was time to say goodbye. My best friend who was abroad in Italy told me she cried for like an hour after her mom left, but I was like no I won’t do that. I consider myself to hide my feelings, but I was very wrong. I burst out in tears when I had to say good-bye. One month later, when I landed in the Philadelphia Airport, I cried once again when I saw my mom. She thought it was because I was happy to be home, which she was wrong because I would still be there if I had the choice. I cried because I was happy to see her, because she’s not just my mom, but also my best friend.

"Next, my mom is not just my mom, but also a mom to an uncountable amount of people. Referred to as 'Momma Laff' by my friends, driving us around when we didn’t have our licenses, to now picking us up from bars, to letting us come over my house when we have nothing better to do, to writing my friends recommendation letters, sometimes, I think my friends like her more than they like me. Also referred to as 'CAS = Cool Aunt Sue,' my cousins and their friends have grown up around her. She has been through their high school proms, college graduation, and even weddings. I only have a younger brother, but to be honest, I feel like I have about 15 older brothers and sisters. Every Wednesday, her and my dad watch our 8 year old neighbor and dear family friend. She makes her dinner, does her homework with her, and buys her gifts just because. At work, my mom is also a mom to about 75 children with special needs who my mom knows their strengths and needs, what medicines they take, how their home situation is, and how much love they have to give. Although sometimes I get a little jealous because I have to share my mom with about 150 other people, I take pride in knowing that I have a mom who is admired by so many (by the way I am the favorite child).

"My mom, she’s not just a regular mom, she’s a cool mom. As much as I hate to admit it, she is a character. Every year on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, her and my dad throw 'Happy Few Hours.' It’s a party that all of our family and friends are invited to, which has essentially turned into my cousins and I inviting all of our friends. This is probably one of the biggest days of the year. Also, every Friday after work, she comes home, and gets her big red solo cup plastic glass, puts some gin, sprite and lime juice in it, and goes to our neighbors house for happy hour.

"This past Easter we were at our house in sea isle, and she says to me 'Moira, lets go to the bar!' I said no because I was tired, and she got a little annoyed at me. I have never felt like more of a loser in my entire life.

"My mom is not just a mom, but also a super hero. In the past year, her typical day went as follows: wake up around 5:30 am, go to work (meetings, checking on both upper and lower schools, etc.), coming home, checking on my grand pop, helping my brother with his homework, make dinner, manage my grand pops medicine and doctor appointments an arrange her weekly schedule to make room for his appointments, answer texts from colleagues asking her questions about work, eat dinner, bring dinner to grand pop, clean up, answer my facetime call, sit down and watch an hour of TV, drive to my grand pops to see if he is asleep, then finally go to sleep. Then the next day, she does it all over again.

"Since 2013, we have lost a lot of people and had to handle a lot of grief. My grand mom (Mom’s Mom) passed away in 2013, and my Aunt Pam (my moms only sibling) passed away in 2016. Most recently, this past April, my grand pop past away. It took a toll on all of us, but most of all, my mom. She has spent the better part of her life taking care of people. First my brother and I, and then my grandparents who’s health began to decline as their age increased. When my grand pop died, I could see the pain in my moms eyes. She said, “I just don’t know what to do with myself.” I would like to show her that maybe now is her time to do things for herself for a change, more than just getting her nails done. She deserves to think about herself, rather than do everything else for others.

"My mom has her flaws like all of us do, but there’s something special about her that defies any flaw she has. My mom is strong, and is the glue to our family. She is funny, making us laugh when we need to laugh. My mom is smart, running two special education schools and creating a new program for special education in other school districts. My mom is friendly, I cant go to shop rite with her because ill be stuck there for hours listening to her talk to just about everyone she walks by and knows. My mom is supportive, allowing me to live my dreams everyday. The past few years have been difficult, but one thing has never changed: my mom’s love and strength. I always here the term, 'you always end up like your mother,' and to be honest, I would be honored to be even half of the woman, mom, wife, daughter, aunt friend, or colleague that my mom is. I want everyone to know how amazing my mom is, and how much we love her because she isn’t told enough. That is why I think that my mom, Susan Lafferty deserves a little extra spotlight."

The following is from Lafferty's niece, Jamie McCartney:

"I want to nominate Sue, or CAS as she is more formally known (cool aunt sue) because she is an amazing aunt, a stellar mom, and a rock star friend. She is the smartest person I’ve ever encountered and could probably be the first doctor/attorney/accountant if that could all be rolled in one job title. She is the matriarch of her family and the one I turn to if I need any sort of advice or direction. She always has an open door (even if she’d rather not) and friends and family always feel welcome and make sure to keep her busy. She stands above the rest because she allows herself to stand above. She is strong and firm in her beliefs and opinions yet she has a way of making you feel like everything is alright. She is witty and sarcastic and no matter who you are or where you come from, she will never make you feel left out.

"My mom, her sister, passed away a little over 2 years ago and it was one of the hardest times of our lives. I can’t even imagine losing a sibling and although Sue was heartbroken, she powered on because her dad, my grandpop, was sick at the time and needed her. She put her feelings aside and did what needed to be done to make sure he was good. That’s the kind of person Sue is. She puts her needs aside to make sure that you are okay. My dad was a little lost after losing his wife, and she was the one to step in and help him navigate his new world. I don’t know what my dad would have done without her.

"Sue deserves the spotlight because although she is super loud and the kind of person who you know is here when she walks into a room (mainly because she announces herself), she doesn’t get acknowledged for all that she does. Being a mom is a full time job on top of the full time job that she has and the title of Mom can get swept under the rug. Besides raising her 2 kids, she is my mom figure in mine and my sister’s life. This year has had its downs and I would love for CAS to be recognized this mother’s day so that she can truly know how appreciated she is by me and the ones in her life."

And this is from Lafferty's niece, Erin McCartney:

"I know that there are plenty of moms out there who rock. I am lucky enough to know some of them. However, the woman who takes the cake is Sue Lafferty. She happens to be my aunt; although, that is only one “label” that she takes on in my life. She is a mom figure to me, a best friend, one of my closest confidants, the first one to tell me I am being irrational, my biggest adviser and, she is a walking book of knowledge-one of the smartest people I know. Ask her, she will agree.

"She has a sense of humor that makes everyone laugh and a personality that makes even the shyest and unapproachable people feel invited and welcomed. Sue is always thinking of others and loves sharing in family and friends milestones and accomplishments. You bought a new house? Sue will be there with housewarming gifts and suggestions on where to put the furniture. Baby on the way? She will send you outfits and offer to watch the baby when you may need a break. Getting married? Sue is ready to celebrate you and your future Mrs. or Mr. by cheers-ing to the next chapter in your life, sending gifts and dancing the night away. She is always extremely thoughtful and sincere. Sue has a husband, two children, a bunch of blood related nieces and nephews and another 30 who she has “adopted” over the years and refer to her as 'Cool Aunt Sue.'

"Sue is also the Executive Director of Education at Archway Programs; she keeps the school and her household running, like a well-oiled machine. Sue is one of the hardest working people I know and I look up to her for all her accomplishments. She also became primary caretaker, transporter and, advocate for her family members in need. Not once did she ever bat an eye, she just assumed the role and did what needed to be done. One of Sue’s best attributes is her strength. Sue’s ability to stay positive, continue to be the glue that holds our family together and, her resilience is one thing I am in awe over.

"Sue lost her mom four and a half years ago, her sister two years ago and, her father a month ago. Not to mention other close family and friends who have been laid to rest in the past few years. Throughout all this she was always everyone else’s shoulder to lean on and ear to listen. Her capability to be able to wear all these different hats, not falter and, continue to keep a smile on her face is admirable. The way Sue is able to juggle so much in her every day routine, keep everyone laughing and, be the leader at work and at home is something I look up to. I strive to be the kind of person, mother, aunt and, friend that Sue is.

"This year and every year after, I nominate Sue Lafferty for the Mom of the Year Award. I am lucky to be able to call her my aunt and am blessed because of the relationship we have. Because of Sue, I know the saying is true, not all heroes wear capes.'

"Happy Mother’s Day Cool Aunt Sue and the rest of the hardworking Moms out there! Enjoy your day, you all deserve it!"