Orange County Woman, 92, Raised 4 Kids On Own, Still Has Zest For Life

ORANGE COUNTY, CA— Moms do so much for everyone around them. We try to celebrate them all year long, but Mother's Day is a perfect opportunity to shout it from the rooftops and post it on Patch: Mom rocks!

Here at Patch we've launched an initiative to help recognize the awesome moms and mom figures in communities like yours.

This submission comes from Yolanda Gaglio who nominated Isabel Gaglio of Orange County.

What makes your Mom extra special?

Mom became a widow at age 30 years old when her husband age 28 was killed in a mid-air collision in Rio de Janeiro in 1960. Her husband Reyes was in the US Navy Band. He played string base. He was on a Goodwill Mission to entertain our President Eisenhower and President of Brazil. Mom was in Washington, DC at the time. She had a 6-year-old old, 3&2 yr old. She had her youngest 6 weeks later. Being from California, Mom came back to live with her in-laws in Compton. She soon found a house in Westminster.

Mom put herself through school. Graduating from California State University, Long Beach where she received a Master's degree in English and a teaching degree. She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa.

Being that her kids attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, she became a teacher at Saint Catherine's Military Academy in Anaheim. She worked there for about 35 years. Mom retired, then went back as a longterm sub. She also subbed for the Diocese of Orange and the Westminster School District. Mom also tutored two Vietnamese children for many years. One was a neighbor girl that attended Westminster High school. She graduated from California State, Long Beach. Her other student Vincent was a student of hers in Kindergarten. She tutored him up until Sophomore year at Westminster High school. He now attends University.

Mom not only raised her 4 children on her own, but also took custody of one of her grandsons. We co-parented him until the age of 16 years. He is now 32 and a successful family man who is still close with his grandma.

During the Vietnam War, she also took care of her brother Sgt. Mjr. Magana's 3 young children on weekends when he has her to keep an eye on them.

Mom always took us on vacations, keeping us kids busy during the summer. Also had us kids in scouting, dance classes and day camps. I still take dance classes at the age of 64. She has traveled extensively around the world. I've also had the pleasure of traveling the world with her.

Mom, who is now 92 years old, was diagnosed with breast cancer about a year and half ago. She also suffers from dementia. I've been her caregiver for several years now. Despite being sick, she loves to travel to Oregon to visit the grandson she raised.

She loves to work in her garden, take day trips to anywhere anytime, attends exercise class at the Westminster Senior Center once a week.

Mom has had an amazing life. Not once growing up or any time for that matter have I heard her cry or complain about having to raise her kids alone. I so very much love and admire my Mom. She has taught me so many valuable lessons in life. She's strong, independent and has such a zest for life.

I've never written anything about my Mom, about her life. I think she's an extraordinary woman who should be honored.

Why do you feel your Mom deserves the spotlight?

Mom has been through a lot in her life. From taking care of five brothers, her husband who was in the US Navy Band perishing in a mid-air collision in Rio de Janeiro. Raising four children on her own, plus raising her grandson. The list goes on. She's always had a positive attitude and outlook on life. And at 92 years old, diagnosed with cancer and Alzheimer's disease, she still has a love for living and keeping busy enjoying what she loves.

Happy Mother's Day to Isabel Gaglio, and thank you for all you do!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know an amazing mom? Nominate them here.