New London Mother's Day Superstar: Linda Mariani

We asked our readers to send us their amazing mom stories for Mother’s Day and received some very special ones. Do you think your mom is the best? Details on how to nominate her to be Patch’s “Mother’s Day Superstar” are below.

Mother’s name

Linda Mariani

Your name and relationship to the nominee

Julia Neusner, daughter.

Why does your mom rock?

What I admire most about my mom is her incredible ability to balance a career, tons of community activities, and a life rich with adventure. My mom went to law school when few women were entering the legal profession, after graduating from Cornell University. She became one of the first women to open her own practice in Connecticut. When my brother and sister and I were young, she used to take us to the public access television studio in Groton for the filming 90’s talk show she hosted, “Law Talk.” Today, my mom’s award-winning family law practice is one of the most successful in the state.

My mom grew up in New London and pours her heart into the city. She is involved with everything and has more friends than anyone I know. She has been a loyal member of the New London Rotary club, bringing me along to their luncheons since I was a young child. She used to sing in a local chorus and take my siblings and I along to her performances in the New London Mall. She volunteered with organizations to benefit disadvantaged New London youth and we used to help her run toy and clothing drives. I remember ringing the bell for Salvation Army donations with her every Christmastime outside Wal-Mart. She remains involved with the Eugene O’Neill Theatre--a loyal fan of their productions. Today, she serves as president of the Renaissance City Development Association, strategizing to make New London better.

On top of all this, my mom has always found time to stay active. She was an avid runner and used to take my siblings and me along with her. We had a Thanksgiving tradition of running the Turkey Trot 5K before the big meal. She used to take us hiking in Devil’s Hopyard with the dog, kayaking on Long Island Sound, and biking at Rocky Neck. She taught me to ski when I was five and took us to the mountains every year. Now that my siblings and I are adults, our mom’s sense of adventure remains as strong as ever. Between her religious attendance of Work Out World’s “boot camp” exercise class, rappelling down buildings, and her newest obsession: stand-up paddle-boarding, my mother is still in better shape than I am.

Why do you feel your mom deserves the spotlight?

I am the person I’ve become because of my mom, who always urged me to strive for success. She enthusiastically read with me since I was a child and formed a mother-daughter book club with our friends. Always proud of her italian roots, my mom taught me about Italian culture and how to make fresh pasta. She introduced me to the best music of her generation--like Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, and Joan Jett. We saw countless concerts together. She reminisces about her “hippie days,” when she played in a rock band and protested wars. She has always encouraged me to stand up for myself and to fight for what’s right.

My mom has always been my confidant and my fiercest advocate--the first person I call if f I’m stressed about a break-up, problems at work, a bad grade on a test, or whatever the crisis of the week. She always reminds me that life is too short to worry about the judgements of others. She has taught me that happiness is a conscious choice, and of the importance of surrounding myself with the things that bring me joy. She encourages me to take risks and believes fervently in my potential to do good in the world. Leading by example, she reminds me that anything is possible--and that there’s no time to waste.

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Think your mom rocks? We want to hear from you! Send us your amazing mom stories and we’ll share the best ones with our readers. Nominate your Mother’s Day Superstar by answering the following questions and she could be featured!

1. Mother’s name and town she lives in.
2. Your name and relationship to the nominee.
3. Why does your mom rock? Details are a good thing!

Please answer the questions and email your answers, along with a photo all in one email, to: [email protected] and give your mom the recognition she deserves!