Born in Bucaramanga, Colombia, on November 22, 1931, Fanny Florez’s life was defined by in her own words, an "atmosphere of simplicity and faith." Though she spent her youth in a small Colombian town, where she was dearly loved, her path eventually led her to the United States as a dedicated Salesian Sister and science teacher.
Although wanting to immediately start work after high school so she could support her family, Fanny was encouraged by her spiritual director to apply for a competitive university scholarship, which she won. The full scholarship allowed her to attain a Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Science, and Chemistry.
After completing her education, Fanny began her teaching career. The grant had been given by the state, and the state assigned her as a teacher of Natural Sciences at the Normal School in the city of Santa Marta, located quite a distance from her home. At her mother’s protest, the state representative answered: “Your daughter will be happy there. It is a good school. The Sisters who run it are very good to all the teachers.”
Fanny arrived at her destination on January 31, 1956; the school to which she had been assigned as teacher was administered and staffed by the Salesian Sisters, and the day she arrived the school was celebrating the feast of St. John Bosco.
Although she initially knew nothing about Don Bosco or the Sisters, the kindness and joy she experienced during her four years there inspired her religious vocation. Sister Fanny shared, “The Salesian Sisters with whom I came in contact during my four years of teaching were an inspiration and a help to me."
In 1960, Fanny moved to Paterson, New Jersey, to begin her formation. She transitioned from a lay teacher to a religious sister, making her perpetual vows on August 5, 1969. She continued her education in the United States, earning a master’s degree and a certificate in science and mathematics, which she used to educate young women for decades.
Sister Fanny’s ministry spanned the United States, including New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, and Florida. One of her students described Sister Fanny this way: “Sister Fanny was patient and very kind with students who were not academically inclined. She would very kindly ask them not to blow up the science lab. Her cheerfulness could brighten any sad day and certainly lifted our spirits if we were having a difficult day. Sister Fanny gave of herself with that typical Salesian joy and affection. She was always ready to intervene in the most challenging moments to help, advise, and encourage. Many lives were touched in a wonderful and loving way by Sister Fanny.”
In addition to her sharp intellect, Sister Fanny was also known for her warm humor, and the corny jokes of which she was so proud. The more ridiculous her audience thought the joke was, the more delight Sister Fanny took in it, chuckling with her sparkling eyes. She spent her final years at the Provincial House in Haledon, New Jersey and returned to the Lord on Monday, March 9, 2026. Thank you, Sister Fanny, for your selfless dedication to young people, deep faith, and trust in God's Providence and in Mary Help of Christians, your great confidante.