Sometimes, the person who mothers us isn't our mother at all.

In this moving episode of They Were Here – Lessons from Their Lives, Kathy Bruno honors the life and legacy of her beloved niece, Jeannine.

Although Kathy was Jeannine's aunt by title, she became so much more—a surrogate mother, a guiding light, a safe harbor during life's storms, and the person Jeannine always knew she could turn to. Their story reminds us that the people who shape our lives don't always share our last name or our DNA. Mother figures can come from anywhere, and their love has the power to change us forever.

Join us as Kathy reflects on Jeannine's life, the bond they shared, and the lasting lessons that continue to guide her. If you've ever been loved by an aunt, grandparent, mentor, teacher, or family friend who became family by choice, this conversation is for you.

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