Sr. Juanita Ramirez

Sister Juanita Ramirez (Sister Janie as she was known to many) was born in El Paso, Texas on July 12, 1935, daughter of Jose Ramirez and Esther R. Ramirez (both deceased).  She is survived by three living siblings: Isabel Ramirez, Esther R. Morin, Jose Ramirez and deceased siblings include:  Natividad, Pedro, Hilario, and Filiberto.  The large family was blessed with several nephews and nieces, most living in El Paso.  Her niece, Teresa Minjares was the only family member that was able to be with Sister Juanita at her deathbed. 

Sister Janie entered the Missionary Sisters of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in 1964, and professed temporary vows in 1966, and final vows in 1974.   As a consecrated religious, she was assigned to serve at the Corpus Christi Minor Seminary preparing meals for seminarians and priests. Transferred to Austin she did outreach work with the poor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish; in San Luis Rey Parish in Laredo she was in charge of the catechetical program; in Robstown assisted in the formation of pre-novices and at Sacred Heart Parish in San Antonio she once again worked in the parish catechetical program.

Sister Janie was a small, fragile woman, but in every one of her ministries, she made sure that the poor were served, whether it was providing low-income families with bread and/or listening to their hardships.  It was unbelievable where she found the energy to fill the car with the food that was given to her for the poor.  Another one of her gifts was to visit the sick, bringing them Holy Communion and a special time of prayer and listening.  For her, it was an opportunity to acknowledge the humanity and dignity of God’s children.  “This is the little I can do for them,” she would say.  The beauty of her service is that she also encouraged others to reach out to make a difference.  “We all have to do our part to reach out to our brothers and sisters in need.”  She was loved by all.

Visitation will begin on Wednesday, April 14, at 5:00 P.M with a Rosary to be recited at 6:30 P.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  Funeral Mass will be offered on Thursday, April 15, at 11:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.