OPAL LOUISE FLOOD, Mrs. GILBERT SMITH, sister to John Flood, aunt to Rodney Flood.

Louise was born September 18, 1906-died l995. She married Gilbert Smith, December 15, 1934. She had no children of her own but adopted Helen Flood, when the child's mother died.

Gilbert and Louise were living comfortably in Cuba running a travel agency when the "Bay of Pigs," incident arose. The time was perilous for Americans living in Cuba at the time.

One night at two o'clock a call came on the telephone. The message was, "Get out now! Leave immediately." They left their home with a suitcase of clothes. When they got in the car and started to the Swiss embassy a car followed them the whole route. Whether it was Castro's people or someone else for protection, they never knew. The Swiss Embassy gave them sanctuary but they had left all their possessions, everything in their home. Her jewelry, crystal, linens, silver, furnishings and, of course, their home they had to leave.

The leader before Castro had given Louise an award for her work with homeless children, for her efforts in finding homes for the children.

Louise worked for the United Nations and their work with children.

After leaving Cuba, Louise traveled the world with her husband who was a consultant with the Port of New Orleans. Gilbert spoke fluent Spanish and he set up trade throughout Central America and into the East.