MARIA ANDERSON

KINGSFORD — Maria Anderson has retired as an Avon representative in the area after 51 years in the business.

“I want to thank all my customers for helping me make my goal,” Anderson said, referring to reaching a half-century as a local vendor for the cosmetics and other Avon merchandise. “Sadly, COVID-19 emerged and it was time to stay home and stay safe.”

Anderson first began selling Avon products in September 1968 in Niagara, Wis., after her husband returned from Vietnam and 22 years in the Army.

“Meeting people in Niagara was wonderful after we were stationed in Germany for three years,” Anderson said.

They moved to Kingsford 27 years later, “to continue with Avon with many new people and still delivering Avon to my customers in Niagara,” she said.

Deciding to step away was difficult, she said, but her favorite part of the business could no longer be done once the pandemic took hold.

“I enjoyed going out of the house, meeting people and talking to people,” Anderson said.