CHATSWORTH, Calif. — Industry veteran Gracie Obadele lost her battle with cancer on Saturday, June 27, at the age of 48.
In her 22 years in the wholesale distribution sector of the pleasure product industry, Obadele, who served as Holiday Products’ senior account manager, was celebrated for her profound connection with customers, coworkers and manufacturer reps.
According to the company, Obadele is also known industry-wide for her motto: “Be the best you, you know how to be and stay positive!”
Holiday Products broke the news of her passing via Facebook and Instagram.
President Ken Sahn said, “It is with profound sadness and grief that we inform our industry friends and colleagues of the passing of our beloved Gracie Obadele. For those of you who had no idea, you are not alone. Gracie did not want to burden the Industry with her issues. Gracie fought hard and worked to the very end. Her loveliness and character, along with the ability to work at home, helped camouflage just how serious everything had become.
“Gracie was so much more than an employee and co-worker to all of us,” Sahn said. “She has been with me for over 20 years, and lifelong friends with fellow Senior Account Manager Angela Blackmon, serving as a second mom to Angela’s kids. And although her heart was always in Detroit and the cold and the Lions, she loved being at Holiday for the last 10 years.”
Blackmon and Obadele joined Holiday Products in 2011, having already worked with Sahn 12 years prior.
“I’m not sure what life will be like without Gracie,” Blackmon said. ”Thirty-seven years is a long time to call someone 'friend.' We were more than that, we are family."
Molly Romeo, Holiday Products senior account manager, added, “Those who knew her fell under her effortless charm spell within minutes of meeting her. That smile could instantly light up the darkest space. She was just the cutest and kindest and most caring and strongest person. I feel like I am a better person for knowing her.”
Holiday Products sales and operations manager Veronica Garcia also shared her sentiments.
“We know we speak for everyone that knew her and loved her just how much she will be missed,” Garcia said. “‘Grace’ was the perfect name for this most gentle, beautiful soul. We at Holiday and WTFN are at a total loss.”
As of this writing, plans for honoring Gracie’s life have not been set.
