For more than a half-century, Flowers by Tand has prepared beautiful arrangements for islanders needing to channel an emotion or capture a sentiment. From ceremonial pieces designed for any local occasion, to making commemorative leis for tourists getting married, the shop infused a personal touch into every order. And now, for the final time, the floral store in Tumon has turned its sign for good.

Tania Tuncap Lehotay told KUAM News, "For me and my sisters, I think this is a closing of a chapter. This is the business that my mom had started years ago, and just going through today [I have] memories of childhood, being in my St. Anthony's uniform, coming here after school. being here to do corsages and be the counter girl and all of those things.

"And really for us, it's learning about all those qualities and learning what it is truly is to be an entrepreneur."

The daughters of the late Dolores Tuncap, known affectionately as "Auntie Ling", honored their matriarch by ensuring her contributions to island history are remembered for her legacy of humility, family, service and love. Antoinette Tuncap shared, "My mom was about journey. Everything is a journey in life and it is bittersweet because this is her journey that we are honoring today. And in that journey, it's a journey of love. And with love, she showed commitment. And commitment is sticking it out through the hard times and she through 50-plus years she's had many."

Like most longstanding operations, their business tells a story, and reflected the true character of its founder. Nora Tuncap Bland told a story of her mom's personality, saying, "It was her life and what means more to her is people. Conversations with people, even during COVID when all the flower shops were closed - there was a couple was getting married and she put it together. She said, 'I'm not getting supplies, but I'll do something for you. I'll create something for you so you have a memorable moment.' She reached all our hearts. Not just me, not just my family, but everybody that stepped in, they would come in and she'd get to know them."

Almost exactly a year ago to the day, the Tuncap's late father David was honored with the Airport Business Park being renamed in his honor. It's a legacy they cherish, and are devoted to uphold.

And long before he enlisted in the Army, was elected to the Legislature, and more recently serves as our representative in Congress, Jim Moylan served the shop with a very distinct role, and taking away from the experience lessons of immeasurable value. He said he started in the backoffice and then picking plumeria and then graduating to delivery boy. "But," he said, "for Mrs. Tuncap, the one thing she stressed was always family."

And in an industry where the measure of success is how many customers return with orders year after year, season after season – Flowers by Tand drew on a simple concept to endear themselves to shoppers, as Antoinette said, "He motto was always 'Love conquers all'".