Key West Mayor Teri Johnston has proclaimed July 14th as Flora Barroso Rueda Day in honor of Rueda’s 100th birthday.
City Commissioner Jimmy Weekley today did the honors of presenting the proclamation to Mrs. Rueda, as she is his godmother.
Born in 1920, she grew up on Bahama Street, where she learned to play the piano, and to play cards, at a very early age. She graduated from the Convent of Mary Immaculate High School in 1938.
As a lifelong member of The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea, Flora sang in the choir for more than 50 years alongside her sister Norma, who also attended the presentation at Rueda’s home.
Flora met and married Evelio “Skippy” Rueda and, over 70 years of marriage, they raised a strong family that now includes three children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Rueda has been a member of the Catholic Daughters, Court #634, and served in every office of the organization over 52 years. She served as State Regent and Treasurer of the Florida Council of Catholic Daughters.
Rueda’s beautiful still life paintings grace the homes of many friends and family and, until the recent restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic, she entertained residents of the Florida Keys Rehabilitation Center each Thursday, with piano tunes and sing-alongs.
“Over ten decades,” wrote the Mayor in the proclamation, “Flora Barroso Rueda has served her community, her family and her faith. Her efforts have made Key West a better place for all.”
