Framingham's Best Moms: Sandra SanSoucie

FRAMINGHAM, MA—We reached out weeks ago asking readers to tell us: "who's Framingham's best mom?" As it turns out, Framingham's got a lot of great mothers.

Leading up to Mother's Day, we're going to feature and share some of the best "Patch Mom of the Year" nominations.

Today, we feature Sandra SanSoucie, who is from Framingham, and was nominated by her youngest son, Steven SanSoucie, from Wayland.

"I know most children think they have the best mom, but mine's pretty special," said Steven.

What makes your mom extra special? My mother is the oldest sibling in her family (she's turning 70 years old on May 24 and she's pretty cool!). When she was about 18 years old, her mother passed away from a massive heart attack, leaving behind my mother and four other children, who ranged in age from about 4 to 17 years old. She also left behind her husband (my grandfather). Shortly after my grandmother died, my mom met my (late) father and they quickly became engaged. He was just out of the service and getting established. It became pretty evident that my grandfather wasn't able to care for his children, and my mother had to step in. She took over as "mother" and cared for her siblings, eventually having to take the children away from my grandfather (he was struggling with alcohol). About 19-20 years old at this point, she got engaged, lost her mother, and had an instant family. My grandfather died shortly after she got married (some say a broken heart).

At such a young age, this woman (and my father) sacrificed everything to care for the children, all the while buying a home, and having three of her own children (two boys and one girl). It wasn't easy. My dad worked two jobs, as firefighter and random side jobs, to make ends meet, while my mom stayed home to care for everyone. She didn't have it easy - and never got to enjoy some alone time with my dad, do the normal things newly married couples do.

I was the youngest child and was so severely sick as a kid with asthma and allergies. I was literally hospitalized in what felt like half of my childhood. She was there, took care of me, and everything else. I seriously don't think she slept.

Fast forward some more years. My mother stepped in again when my sister had a child at a very young age. Again - she did what she does best, and sacrificed to care for others. It goes on and on. Mother, Auntie, Nanny are some of her titles.

My father took an early retirement as a firefighter to deal with lung cancer, which then ultimately became pulmonary fibrosis. Again, my mother became a care taker, and for the next five years cared for my father, and sadly watched him slowly fade. She gave (and continues to) give so much of herself for others. The unconditional love. The sacrifice, the sleepless nights, and never complained about it.

This month she's turning 70 years old; a widow at 65 years old who is just now starting to live her life. She's amazing, and has found happiness and find the positive in things, when others may have given up . She's still taking care of everyone whether it be emotionally, dog sitting, baby sitting, financially and otherwise. At 44 years old, I still turns to her for advice, help, support (and love). It's who she is - I guess it's in her DNA. When I called her last week to chat, she was busy helping her neighbor who just had ankle surgery. Seriously, the woman is a saint. Totally unselfish, totally strong, totally awesome.

She inspires me on days when i think I've got "stuff to deal with." I remember how lucky I am to have her still with us. She didn't have the luxury of turning to anyone for help or advice from 18 years old and on; she just figured it out all out, and did an amazing job.

She's a sister/mother, a mother, a grandmother, and now a great grandmother. She is my mother...but she's also my friend.

Why do you feel your mom deserves the spotlight? She has given up so much. This year, turning 70 years old is seems fitting to honor her.

Think your mom is the best? Tell us why. Here's how to submit.

Photo submitted