Westfield Daughter Has Mom Of The Year

WESTFIELD, NJ — Last week we asked you to nominate a mother who you feel should be Westfield Patch's Mom Of The Year in honor of Mother's Day.

Daughter Olivia Gladis of Westfield, nominated her mother Jeanne Gladis and shared her amazing story.

"On top of having three children, two of which are in college and one has graduated, she is also a grandmother of three. She has also been a volunteer EMT for more than 25 years at the Westfield Rescue Squad. Every year, my mom honors her late father, who died from Pancreatic cancer in 2008, by participating in PurpleStride, the 5k run and walk to end Pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, when Mayor Andy Skibitsky proclaimed Nov. 16 - Worldwide Pancreatic Cancer Day - as Pancreatic Cancer Day in Westfield, my mom accepted the proclamation."

"My mom deserves to be recognized as the hardworking, selfless and gracious person she is. She has been able to juggle her duties at work, as a mother, a grandmother, and as a fellow EMT for so many years. Through those years she has made many long-lasting friendships with her coworkers, some of which I still recognize from when I was a baby. She rarely lets stress overcome her, and when my siblings and I go to her for advice, she does not hesitate to guide us through our problems. She is deeply committed to helping her family, as she has grown up with six other siblings, her being the oldest sister. My mom has been an idol to those who love her for many years, and continues to be an idol to me, to my brothers, and to my nieces."

(Image provided)

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