Lila Mayoral Wirshing

Lila María Mercedes Mayoral Wirshing (12 May 1942 – 7 January 2003 Her parents were Juan Eugenio Mayoral Renovales (1906–1967), an industrialist, founder and president of Ponce Candy Industries, and Julita Wirshing Serrallés, who was the daughter of Herman Wirshing, a German immigrant to Puerto Rico. Her paternal grandparents were Joaquin Mayoral Montalvo (1878–1911), who was born and died in Ponce, and Maria Renovales Rodriguez (1879–1964), who was born in Ponce and died in Caracas, Venezuela. She was the second of four sisters: Julita Mercedes, Ana Inés and Eugenia.

First Lady of Puerto Rico: 1973–1977 Lila Mayoral became First Lady of Puerto Rico when her husband was elected Governor in the 1972 general elections. She remained in the position until he lost the 1976 elections. As first lady, she distinguished herself for her dedication to the community. For example, after Hurricane Eloise caused significant damage in Puerto Rico, Mayoral organized a benefit concert to aid those affected by the storm.

Return to private life and college: 1977–1984 After her husband was defeated in his bid for another term in La Fortaleza, Mayoral Wirshing returned to college to finish her degree. She received a bachelor's degree in business management from the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in 1982, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.00 GPA.

Accolades A school in Barrio Canas, Sector El Tuque in Ponce was named in her honor. The building housing the headquarters of the Puerto Rico Department of Family Affairs in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is also named after her.

Honors and awards Mayoral received numerous awards and honors during her lifetime, including: 1971: Young Mother of the Year 1973: Woman of the Year, receiving the plaque from Mayor of New York City John Lindsay 1975: Distinguished Woman from the Chamber of Commerce 1985: Honorary Member of the Commission of Businesswomen 1987: Recognition from the Philadelphia Council of Hispanic Organizations 1990: Recognition from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for her efforts after Hurricane Hugo 1991: Honorary Member of the Westchester Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Inc. 1992: Honorary Doctorate in Social Work from University of Aruba