A great celebration for a "wonderful" mother, grandmother, aunt and a dear friend.

Family, friends and neighbors celebrated Rita Gonzalez's 80th birthday. Latham Road was truly a gala place to be.

One of Rita's grandsons wrote in her memory book of the day, "stay around for the next 80. Grandmother you've done such a great job. We need you."

Her family, Jerry, Donna, Linda and Beth describe their mom. "All our lives 'mother' has been and still is a giving woman. She taught us all her examples, to share all of God's gifts (even our own), always with love.

She gave us all a great sense of pride. Some of the family live in Virginia, Austria, Connecticut, Northport and Saranac Lake, NY. Even with some miles between them all, the love and pride has grown strong and has no boundaries.

Linda, Beth, Jerry and Donna