Who is Randy Minkoff from The Emperor's Children and what is their importance?

Randy is Danielle's mother, a divorcee who moved from Columbus to St. Petersburg and became a very successful real estate agent. She is full of life, and although Marina considers her fun but tacky, Randy is solid and positive. She is free with her views on how Danielle should live her life, but basically just wants her daughter to be happy. When the going gets tough, Randy is the one who rescues Danielle.