For anybody wishing to pay their respects to RuthAnn Lobo, the mother of former UConn star Rebecca Lobo, the calling hours are today from 4-8 p.m. at Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home (364 Salmon Brook St., Granby). The funeral will be held on Friday at 9 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church (940 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury). The graveside service and burial will follow in Granby Cemetery.

With RuthAnn Lobo will be remembered by many as the mother of one of the most popular players in not only UConn but women's basketball history, she was a great deal more than that. A well-respected teacher and guidance counselor in the Granby Public Schools system for 35 years, she touched a great number of lives. Diagnosed with breast cancer 17 years ago, she became a tireless advocate in the fight against breast cancer.

Although I met RuthAnn Lobo a couple of times, I can't say that I knew her particularly well. However, reading the guest book on her obituary has allowed me to get a sense of how deeply she has touched people's lives. She was a truly wonderful woman who will be greatly missed.