mothers & family | tribute

Memories & wishes

By SUZANNE SPROUL

Moms are teachers, disciplinarians, mentors and No. 1 fans. They also seem to have the keen ability of observation and a willingness to share their insights, whether solicited or not. When we're young, we roll our eyes at some of their advice. When we're older, many of us follow it and pass it along to our own children. These five women remember their childhoods, reflect on their years as mothers and offer insight into that strange but wonderful kinship called motherhood.

Noralie Clinton
Upland
Former kindergarten teacher, community volunteer

Background: Despite keeping track of four daughters and two sons, Noralie Clinton has always found time to volunteer, particularly at San Antonio Community Hospital where she has logged more than 14,600 hours of service. Add to that years of helping with the PTA, Girl Scouts and at church.

What's the most important lesson you learned from your mother?
"My mother (Yvonne Michel) was such a good listener. She was always on the phone with friends, listening to them and trying to help when she could. She also was very active in the community, which back then was a bit unusual for a woman. "I learned to be supportive and caring from her. I have tried to help in the community, but I've tried to follow her example that family always comes first."

What do you wish every mother could have for her children and family?
"I wish every mother and her children had a chance to spend quality time together, and by quality time I don't mean a specific amount of minutes or hours, but real time that builds memories. I truly feel that can be done, even today."NO

Beverly Noerr
Redlands
Executive director, Redlands Community Music Association

Background: Member of the Associates of the Redlands Bowl, past president of the arts council for San Bernardino County, member Trinity Episcopal Church and University of Redlands Town and Gown. Mother of five.

What's the most important lesson you learned from your mother?
"To love and care for the most important people in my life with my whole heart – no holding back. "My mother is good at a lot of things, but she is best at making people feel loved and supported. She is a great cheerleader for her family and friends."

What do you wish every mother could have for her children and family?
"I wish for all families to have an abundance of love, faith and laughter and most of all, uninterrupted time to goof off and count their blessings."

Donna Kendrena
Rancho Cucamonga
Executive assistant to the city manager

Background: Active with the Etiwanda Historical Society, Donna Kendrena organized the society's first Mother's Day fundraising tea, now in its 10th year, and is a recipient of the annual conference of California Historical Societies' Award of Merit.

What's the most important lesson you learned from your mother?
"Mom (Rosemary Schnupp) always had time for each of us, and I wouldn't trade my childhood for anyone's. She taught me to be responsible, patient and professional. I learned good phone etiquette from listening to her, and I was always impressed with how fast she could type. She and dad gave all of us the gift of faith, but probably the most important thing we learned was to always look for the good in everyone and in every situation — a positive attitude. Thanks to her, I rarely have a bad day."

What do you wish every mother could have for her children and family?
"To be blessed with good health — that alone can make life a joy. But I would add lots of time to make memories together and unconditional love and understanding. Staying close at heart even if you live far away."

Cindy Calvert
Highland
Retired resourse tutor
San Bernardino City Unified School District

Background: Makes homemade cards for Loma Linda University Medical Center patients, sews blankets for lost and abandoned pets at the San Bernardino Animal Shelter and a donor, 15 gallons worth, to the Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.

What's the most important lesson you learned from your mother?
"My mom (Ruby Roddick) had a wonderful sense of humor, which I believe really does get you through everything — even the tough things. "She was always fun and I remember our family always laughed. That just gives you a terrific perspective on life."

What do you wish every mother could have for her children and family?
"I wish every mother and her children could learn to live in the present, to value the time you have right now. We as a society are always worried about what we're going to do tomorrow or a month from now. Just focus on the now because that's all we really have." (Calvert's 39-year-old daughter Christy has cerebral palsy and speaks little. Roddick used to try to get Christy to say "Grandma," but to no avail. When Roddick became ill and was hospitalized, Cindy and Christy spent hours with her. Three days after Roddick died, Christy asked for "Grandma.")

Susanne Nuaimi
Fontana
Kindergarten teacher, David W. Long Elementary School Fontana

Background: Chairwoman of the Mayor's Gala Committee for Fontana, which raises money for various city nonprofits; volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club, Relay for Life and is team mom for the Etiwanda High School girls basketball team.

What's the most important lesson you learned from your mother?
"The most important lesson I learned from my mom (Veronica Wedblad) was to always show and tell your family that you love them. My mom has always listened and cared about me and my life, and I try to do the same with my children. My mom shows her love by making each of us feel special and important. I have always tried my hardest to let not only my children, but husband, parents, family and friends, know how important, special and loved they are by me."

What do you wish every mother could have for her children and family?
"I wish every mother could have a close relationship with God. When a mom has their creator to turn to for advice, strength and guidance, it makes her role more guided and directed. "It is hard being a mom, especially nowadays with all of the outside influences on our children and our own lives. "My relationship with God has helped and directed my words, my advice and relationship with my children. I pray that my children always turn to God first and then their father and I. "We cannot always be everywhere with them, but they know God will."