Two of Rago's former students, Katie Trimble and Caitlin Ary, may have said it best when they tearfully sang the song, "Because I knew you, I have been changed for good."
Rago's husband Carl, her brother and sister-in-law James and Rosemary Kolegraff, her sister and brother-in-law Margaret and Ron Swezea, her aunt Mary Molander and cousins Maureen Schumacher and Sharon Molander attended the luncheon in her honor.
Rep. Adam Schiff presented Rago with a congressional commendation and Councilman Jef Vander Borght presented her with a city commendation.
City Manager Mary Alvord thanked Rago for always having the Burroughs choir perform for the city's tree-lighting and Memorial Day ceremonies.
"There is no greater gift than voices raised in song, and Mary has given that gift to the city of Burbank," Alvord said. "We love you and we are really going to miss you."
Donna Anderson, co-chairwoman of the event, presented Rago with her Woman of the Year pin and announced that a $500 donation in her name will be given to the Burroughs Vocal Music Assn.
Zonta members serving on the event's committee were Eileen Asheghian, Nickie Bonner, Margarita Campos, Sharon Cohen, Grace Farenbaugh, Brenda Lantieri, Anne Macleod, Lisa Matzner, Marva Murphy, Rose Pichay, Marjoreda Simay and Julia Woll.
Music was also the main event later that evening, when Providence St. Joseph Medical Center Guild presented its fall event.
Member Lucy Brown came up with the idea for a variety show and so an audition was held; and from that, the talent was chosen for the show titled "Let Us Entertain You."
The event began with a barbecue dinner in the quad at Providence High School and then everyone went into the auditorium for the show.
Keyboardist J.D. Mata kicked off the show with the overture, which was followed by a welcome from master of ceremonies Steve Graham.
