Animal rights activist Florence Paul was 82

Florence Paul, 82, long-time animal rights activist passed away on October 15 after a long battle with cancer. She was 82 years old.
A resident of Whitestone, Paul &#8220was a terrific person who fought for animals,” according to her friend of 32 years, Phyllis Onyan.
Her death left &#8220an irreplaceable void in our hearts and an unparalleled legacy of lifetime dedication to her community,” said fellow animal rights activist Jacqueline D'Elia. &#8220Her capacity to take charge, make a difference and innovate change was unsurpassed by anyone.”
An avid animal lover who was also an active member of Grace Church as well as the Greater Whitestone Business Association, Paul was born on June 11, 1924 in Clearfield County, PA. She grew up in a small coal-mining town and moved to Brooklyn when she was a teenager.
She married in 1950 and moved to Queens with her husband.
Following his death, Paul opened a ladies' apparel shop in Whitestone.
&#8220She always had a flair for fashion and was a savvy business woman,” said her sister-in-law, Nancy Paul.
When the clothing shop closed, Paul went to work for an animal hospital and later co-founded the pet-friendly organization A.C.T. (Animals Can't Talk).
&#8220She was instrumental in developing and furthering this organization,” said her sister-in-law.
&#8220The decades of relentless selflessness to improve the neighborhood for both humans and animals has left an indelible mark on those she touched,” said D'Elia. &#8220In conversations with me, Florence had often commended [the business] Preferred Floors on the continued compassion and humaneness shown by the owners and staff in community-related issues. Today, they continue Florence's work.”
A memorial Mass was held in Paul's honor at Grace Church. She is survived by a sister, two brothers and many nieces and nephews.