Lila Mayoral Wirshing

Lila María Mercedes Mayoral Wirshing (12 May 1942 – 7 January 2003) was the wife of the Governor of Puerto Rico Rafael Hernández Colón, and was First Lady during his three terms as governor (1973–1977, 1985–1993). Early years and marriage Lila María Mercedes Mayoral Wirshing was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, in 1942. Her parents were Juan Eugenio Mayoral Renovales (1906–1967), an industrialist, founder and president of Ponce Candy Industries, and Julita Wirshing Serrallés. 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. She began her studies at the Liceo Ponceño in Ponce, and finished high school at the Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts. During this time she met Rafael Hernández Colón, who was a young law student. Mayoral Wirshing and Hernández Colón married on 24 October 1959. They had four children: Rafael, José Alfredo, Dora Mercedes and Juan Eugenio. 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.