What can I tell you about Mary Albergo? That she was a kind,  gentle and loving person. That she had beautiful green eyes and a million-dollar smile. That everyone who knew her thought she was wonderful. That she bravely fought cancer for 14 years and never once asked "Why me?" Or that she hardly ever complained about anything.

You'll probably say: "Of course he's going to brag out about his own mother."  But those people who had the chance to know her understand how special she really was. Mom's kindness and understanding left a great impression on everyone. And her courage and positive attitude were truly an inspiration.

She endured years of surgery, chemotherapy, and other medications... and dozens of visits to the doctor's office. But  during those difficult times, my mother maintained her dignity and her pride. All the terrible side effects from her treatment didn't make her a bitter person. "You do what you have to do, and you get on with your life," she would say. And then she'd put a pot of water on the stove and prepare a delicious pasta dinner for us. "So how was your day?" she'd ask with a smile.

My mother was an impeccable dresser. A real lady... with hair and makeup prepared close to perfection every day. By no means a show-off. Just good taste: simple and elegant. And you couldn't help but notice all those color-coordinated handbags and shoes. She just wanted to look nice. But she didn't. Mary looked great.

And she always looked forward to celebrations. Anniversaries, birthdays, the Christmas holidays, graduations. She kept a little address book on the kitchen counter with a detailed list of family events. Everyone received a greeting card to acknowledge their special day. I think Mom was responsible for 50% of Hallmark's revenues in the 1970's and 80's. Her grandchildren were usually her favorite subject too.

Whenever there was a family party, Mom was in charge of lighting the candles and cutting the cake. Even when she wasn't feeling well, she would fix her hair, put on a nice outfit, and insist on getting there on time.

The next morning she'd show up for work at my father's hardware store bright and early to tackle countless bookkeeping and clerical duties for modest wages. Then it was back home in the afternoon to clean the house and prepare a good hot meal for her family.

Never thinking of herself, but always concerned for others. Ready to help with a  kind word or deed. Years later I heard about how many nice things she had done for relatives, friends and neighbors. Everyone liked her. Mom was even known for her phone calls from her hospital bed to find out how you were doing or to remind you to dress warmly on a cold, rainy day.

I don't think I ever heard her raise her voice in anger at anyone. Politeness and charm were among her best qualities. And she could talk with you about almost anything. Mom loved the movies and could correctly identify most of the actors by first and last name.

Even as I watched her endless activities diminish one by one, and after she reluctantly traded her independence for a walker, she refused to give up on herself. The voice got quieter and the face turned pale, but the green eyes glowed and the smile seemed to widen. Mom was always happy to see her two sons. "So what's new with you?" she'd ask.

The doctors and nurses were always impressed by her resilience. It  was really  something to see her overcome her illness. Even Muhammad Ali couldn't match her knockdowns and comebacks. I think it all came down to her faith and a strong will to live. She looked forward to being with her family. "It's the best kind of medicine you can get," she would say. That and watching a good movie. She had a thing for Cary Grant.

She taught me the true meaning of inner strength and courage.

Years later, Mom passed away in the same manner that she lived her life: with dignity and a smile. Although her body changed and finally succumbed to her illness, she never revealed her pain. The hospice nurse who cared for my Mom in her final weeks said she was a true inspiration, and everyone admired her courage.

I'm proud to say that Mary Albergo was my mother and my friend. If there's a party in heaven, we all know whose cutting the cake.