WHO WE ARE

the Woman of the Year is announced at the RRWF Annual Elegance of Christmas Tea.  It is an honor to be selected as Woman of the Year and a wonderful way to recognize those who tirelessly committed themselves to making RRWF a successful organization. 

The 2023-24 Woman of the Year Award went to Mary Spence. 

Hello everyone, I am Diana Flowers, last year’s WOY and also President of RRWF for

the last 2 years. It was such an honor and privilege to be named Woman of the Year for

2023. The last 2 years as president have been a whirlwind with so much going on with

the election. I would have to say that the highlight would be attending the National

Republican Women Federated Convention in Oklahoma City. I met the most amazing

women from all over the country, including one from Maui who just ran for the Senate.

Unfortunately, she didn’t make it. I was able to see Tulsi Gabbard speak and also met

Riley Gaines, but I have to say the end of my time has been the best with Trump’s win!

Now on to the 2024 Woman of the Year recipient. This year’s winner was born in

Eureka, CA. She lived with her parents in Fortuna, CA and attended elementary and

high school there. Later she attended Humboldt State University.

She moved to San Jose and worked as a secretary and clerk. She returned to Northern CA in 1965 and worked for the US Forest Service as an assistant clerk. There she met her

husband. Unfortunately, they had a policy of no married couples in the same office so

she quit. She was then hired as a clerk in Dinsmore. CA.

She and her husband had their 1st child in1967, a son then transferred to Pinehurst in

1968 and had their second son in 1970. They moved again in 1972 to Angeles National

Forest in Saugus, CA. They lived there til1975 when her husband was promoted to

manage forest service operations in Redding, CA

She became a real estate agent in 1985 and worked with Coldwell Banker for 30 years.

She became a member of the real estate council in 2009 and was also president. She

retired in 2017 and keeps busy with various clubs, playing hand and foot, traveling and

spending time with her family.

She has been a member of RRWF for over 10 years. She has served on the Elegance

of Christmas Tea Committee for 2 years and has been our recording secretary for 2

years. She is always willing to step in with whatever is needed, including opportunity

drawings at our luncheons and other duties. We have been very lucky to have her all

these years.

So without further ado I am so proud to announce the 2024 Woman of the Year, Mary

Spence!

Our Woman of the Year, Mary Spence, meets the qualifications that are set out in our guidelines.  Here's some, just to name a few:

1.  She must be an active member of RRWF.

2.  She must be serving or have served in a leadership role.

3.  She must display qualities of encouragement and friendship.

Congratulations Mary!