LATHROP – Arnita Montiel remembers Mo Iorio as fun loving and gregarious. 

Her smile was infectious. She treated everybody with respect. And she made the most out of the time she had on earth. 

So on Saturday at 11 a.m. when Lathrop congregates along 5th Street for the city’s annual Christmas Parade, they’ll also be paying their respects to somebody that left a lasting impression on those around her. 

“This is all about ‘Mo Mo’ and preserving her memory,” Montiel said. “Everybody knew her. Everybody liked her. So we want to make something that’s special for her family.”

Iorio’s family will take the honors as the Grand Marshal’s on Saturday with her daughter Kelly riding in the first vehicle with her daughter Keenie and her son Chris following close behind with his wife Sonja and their children. 

The parade is set to begin at the intersection of 5th and J Streets and will work its way south past the Lathrop Senior Center – where the judging will take place – before ending at 7th Street and Mingo Way.