By Lt. Col. Ralph Gracia USAF Ret.
Guest Columnist
A lifelong history with Avon Company. My mother, Florence (Flor) Gracia Hernandez, was born on April 22, 1923. Flor was a sales representative for many years. A great example for all of us. Let’s meet Mrs. Florence Gracia Hernández. She was originally from Cabo Rojo. Mother of four; her husband Mr. Emilio Gracia. Flor began selling Avon products in the city of Manhattan in New York from the year 1959 until the year 1972. They decided to move to Puerto Rico in 1972 and settled in Country Club, San Juan.
A month after arriving in Puerto Rico, she began selling Avon until June 24, 2011, honorably serving 52 years with the company. Flor went door to door visiting her customers. To achieve her goals, she had the help of her husband Emilio and their sons who are: Frank, Anthony, Ralph, and Johnny. Flor did not drive; She collected and delivered her orders always with the help of her husband and children. The effort, experience and dedication made her known in her business, especially offering success in the professional and personal aspect integrating the family nucleus in the process while providing the family’s economic sustenance.
Congratulations to Flor for being the example as a woman, wife, mother, friend, partner and above all an excellent representative of the Avon family. But beyond Avon, Flor’s commitment and dedication were always to her church and community, which she served with much love. Last Easter Sunday and Resurrection Day, my adorable Mom went to heaven to be with the Lord! And today, we celebrate her life, Flor’s 100th birthday at the Parish of Jesus Mediator. Happy Mother’s Day to the Best Mom ever!