They’re the bearers and deliverers of life. They’re the ultimate caretakers, the treasured resource for advice, the coaches in a boxing corner and the biggest fighters for the greater good. What would our lives be without mothers? With Mother’s Day on May 14, the Keys Weekly is showcasing just some of the amazing Upper Keys moms. We’ve asked moms for some of their best advice, and we have also shared some of the most important lessons we’ve learned from our own moms.
Evie Engelmeyer, 38, is a mother of three kids, works as human resources director for Islamorada and spends her time as an assistant coach for the Coral Shores girls varsity soccer team. Some of the best motherhood advice is, “Don’t be so quick to judge. Most people are doing the best they can with what they have.” Engelmeyer will spend her special day with family in Virginia while celebrating her niece’s college graduation. “Motherhood is synonymous with selflessness,” she said.
Connie Fazio has four kids and eight grandchildren. She works as a finance manager with the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District. Fazio said the best advice received about motherhood is, “You will never have this day with your children again. Tomorrow they’ll be a little older than today. This day is a gift. Enjoy the present moment, as it will be over before you know it.” Fazio will spend Mother’s Day in Chicago with her oldest son and family, watching the grandkids in their sporting events.
Pam Schmidt, 68, has a son, a daughter and four grandchildren. She’s a manager at a restaurant known for one of the best breakfasts in town — Islamorada’s Mangrove Mike’s Café. Some of the best advice given to Schmidt is “Love your family unconditionally and say lots of prayers for everyone.” She will be spending her Mother’s Day at church followed by a lunch.
Autumn Hager is the mother of two daughters, Ava and Isla. She’s a student services supervisor for Take Stock in Children Monroe County. Some of the best advice that Hager can give is, “This too shall pass. … As a new mom, each chapter of raising children has its moments of struggle, but eventually you will be missing these moments, so enjoy them and give yourself grace!” Hager will be spending her special day relaxing with family and enjoying a day at the beach by boat.
Kellie Butler Farrell, 53, is the mother of Sean Farrell, 18, and Nick Farrell, 16. She’s the owner of an electric bike business and a freelance journalist with Keys Weekly. Some of the best motherhood advice she can provide is, “Appreciate every moment; it goes by faster than you think. Make time every day to hang out with your kids and talk to them about their day. Have fun with your kids! Eat dinner together as much as possible. You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to be there for them.” She will be spending the day with her kids and husband and enjoying a brunch.
Carolyn DePaula is the proud mother of a 19-year-old son, 15-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old daughter. She works as a peer counselor coordinator with Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Monroe County and co-owns DeClue’s Custom Framing. DePaula’s advice is, “Motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint, and is for the rest of your life. Give up perfection and instead focus on caring about them, listening to them in all of life’s seasons.” DePaula said her family likes to surprise her on Mother’s Day, and she hopes that includes brunch.
Sky Moore, 31, is a proud mother to her daughter, Addyson, and two bonus daughters. She’s the owner and operator of Islander Girl Snorkel Tours in Tavernier. Some of the best advice she was given on motherhood is, “Enjoy every minute with them. They grow up very fast! Family first, always.” She will be spending her Mother’s Day on the boat with family.
Dorothy Nekhaila is a 29-year Keys resident and owner of several local businesses. She’s a proud mother of three children, Steven, 29, Sean, 22 and Sarah, 20. She’s also a grandmother to 14-month-old Lana. The best advice Nekhaila received about motherhood is, “Always lead with your heart.” She will spend Mother’s Day with church, boating and family dinner.
Manuela Carrillo Mobley, Keys Weekly director of sales, says her mom, Rosanna Carrillo, is relentless and resourceful. “She is my guide and my strength and even when she’s down she is somehow able to raise you higher. Her love knows no boundaries.” As for words of wisdom shared by her mother, “Take it one day at a time. Little by little.”
Connie Chapell, 66, is an ESE teacher who has two kids. Chappell’s best advice she received on motherhood is, “Love unconditionally and put family first!” She will be spending Mother’s Day floating in the ocean while celebrating her 40th anniversary.
