These Moms are Winners to Their Families Every Day

We asked you to tell us why your mom (or grandma or mother figure) is so special in anticipation of Mother's Day and you shared stories and photos that made us laugh and cry.

Congratulations to our three winners (chosen at random):

Maureen Krasner of Grosse Pointe Farms: Kranser was nominated by her husband, Charles, who said: "Whether we're hiking, biking, picking blueberries, playing in the sand or relaxing at home, Maureen (Mo, Mom) is happy wherever we are as a family. A phenomenal mother, wife and friend, she's always ready to dig in for fun and adventure." Krasner wins dinner at  in White Lake.

The Rev. Dona Gilsdorf of Birmingham: Gilsdorf, pastor at Unity Church of Rochester, was nominated by Danielle Boes: Gilsdorf "has been like a mother to me for over 13 years," Boes wrote. "While she has never had children of her own she has 'raised' 100's of people through her ministry at Unity Church of Rochester. While my own mother nurtured me as a child, Dona has acted as a mentor, minister, teacher, and most importantly a friend to me in my adult life. I can honestly say that I would not be the woman I am today without her honest advice, no nonsense attitude, unfailing support and unconditional love. She is truly one of the most important people in my life and I love her dearly."

Shauna Glover of Shelby Township: Glover loves being a mother so much she nominated herself. "I am a mother to 6 –3 girls, 3 boys. I didn't know my mother well, she left before I could walk. I grew up dreaming of what kind of mother I would be.... I knew I wanted to be very important and very influential to my children. I am so lucky God blessed me with a mothering experience I didn't get to have."

Gilsdorf and Glover each win $50 gift cards for  in Royal Oak.

There were a handful of nominations with ties to Rochester-Rochester Hills:

• Gina DiFilippo of Rochester Hills: "She is the best Mom in the entire world. She started her own business, Stretch-n-Grow and works full time, while still making sure me, my brother and my dad are always taken care of," her daugther Aly wrote.
• Jean Marie Girimes from Dundee: Jen Eyler of Rochester Hills nominated her mother, writing that her mom "is active in her grand kids lives even though she lives 80 miles away."
• Marianne Maurer of Rochester Hills: "In this picture she is holding a very large snake that was brought to her classroom for a presentation on reptiles.  She isn't a big fan of snakes, but she always put her students ahead of her fears," her son Timothy Maurer of Rochester Hills wrote.
• Arlene Ondrisek from Rochester Hills: "... Throughout the years, my Mom has taught me so much. As a young girl, I watched my Mom work two jobs and go to school at night to get her Masters Degree. My mom has taught me motivation, strength, empathy, respect, and most importantly love. My mother is so special," daughter Rebecca Gutov of White Lake wrote.
• Julianne Collins of Rochester Hills: "My Mom is so selfless and I only hope I continue to learn from her and become an even better person because of her...," her daughter Abby Collins of Rochester Hills wrote.
• The Rev. Dona Gilsdorf of Birmingham: Gilsdorf, pastor at , was nominated by Danielle Boes: Gilsdorf "has been like a mother to me for over 13 years," Boes wrote. "While she has never had children of her own she has 'raised' 100's of people through her ministry at Unity Church of Rochester."

Take a look at and read the stories about . If you missed the contest, you can still share here on Patch. Just upload a photo of your mom or other mother figure in your life – grandma, foster mother, mother-in-law – and tell us in the caption of the photo why the mom in your life rocks.

Happy Mother's Day!