Upon receiving the news of Cuca Blanc’s death this morning, many grateful memories come to mind. And among them, the “lyrics” of an old “Sevillian” that goes like this: something dies in the soul when a friend leaves…
I feel sorry for the departure of Cuca: a good, affectionate and kind friend who with her attitude and her works and, finally, with her look (she could not express herself in any other way) happy, deeply and intensely blue, transmitted welcome, affection and gratitude for going to visit her, or for the simple gift that she brought her on behalf of the Social Promotion of Culture Foundation, of which she was a Founding Trustee and member of its first Board of Trustees back in 1987.
Cuca has been an exemplary woman. Kind and affectionate with everyone. She transmitted peace and serenity to those around her. Her kindness and elegant intuition led him to always think about others: about José, her husband, her family, her neighbors… and her many friends.
Many people in the Foundation testify to this. I think in particular of Macarena, today Patron and Director of the Cooperation Department, who received Cuca’s attention in the first stage and journey of the Foundation.
My grateful memory focuses on his ability to join forces, together with José and the people who started the FPS, to give life to an institution that throughout these years has worked, and works, with the goal of helping people. Particularly the most needy and vulnerable, to achieve higher levels of education and training to achieve better levels of freedom and social development. Without exclusions, with openness and respect for all, in a constant effort for their dignity, giving priority, because circumstances required it, to the training of women.
Her very effective contribution in the early years was an enormous help for José and for everyone. In a quiet and kind way he promoted the search for resources to strengthen the institution.
Her joy was great when she had the opportunity to visit some FPS projects in the Middle East or when she shared work and awareness days with rural women from Morocco or Latin America.
Today, I only have words of gratitude for this great friend.
God will have repaid her, along with Joseph, for her generous availability and help, her generous life.
Her example remains for us. People leave, institutions remain. I wish these words to be a grateful memory to José and Cuca and an example for everyone.
Madrid, March 17, 2024.
Teresa María Pérez Payán
FPS Patron