Emilia Ramirez Obituary

RAMIREZ EMILIA, 84, Widow of dearly loved Juan (Johnie) and former resident of Kendall, died peacefully in the presence of loving family members on May 4, 2003 in Troy, Michigan. Preceded in death by her beloved spouse of 39 years Juan and her son, Robert. Survived by her sons, William (Lydia), Paul (Rosa); daughters, (Nydia) Theresa Ramirez, Mary Ann (Kenneth) Santiago, Laura (Mark) Muscare, Elena (John) Schaffer; grandchildren, Robert (Christa) Santiago, Janet (Shane) Lander, Emily (Michael) Arsenault, Rachel (Christopher) Govier, Connie (Nicholas) Iwasko, Kristin and Kathleen Schaffer and Gustavo and Felipe Ramirez. She will be missed by many, including her brother, Cef (Naty), Raul (Ramona) and her sister Ramona Ramirez. Many other relatives, too numerous to mention, will also miss her. As the second child of Nicomedes and Concepcion Ramirez, she was born in Puerto Rico and moved to New York where she met her future husband, Johnie. When Emilia and Johnie left New York in 1959, their 7 children who settled with them in Hialeah accompanied them. Their home and their lives were imbued with the faith and values of these loving parents. Emilia was a woman of deep faith, with a kind, humble and caring nature. She is remembered for many acts of kindness, even during her illness when she thanked her caregivers and family for helping her. Her example and faith will be reflected by the lives of those who she loved and who love her in return. Mami, Vaya con Dios. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (11291 SW 142 Ave.). Family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Thursday with a Prayer Service at 8:00 p.m. at: Stanfill Funeral Home 10545 S Dixie (305)667-2518 Family Owned/OperatedTo visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.herald.com/obituaries.

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Published by the Miami Herald on May 7, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Emilia Ramirez

4 Entries

Richard Ramirez

May 13, 2003

One of the dearest people I ever met. A true Christian & a special lady. God Bless you Titi Emilia!

Richard Hernandez

May 8, 2003

I remember when my brother and I would go to the Friday novena mass at St Rose of Lima church and after the service, because we lived too far away to go home, we had breakfast in titi Macia's house or titi Emilia"s. I always wondered where this supermom got all of her energy. There was always enough for everybody. We would go inside and ask her for her blessing over us, "bendición tía". Then she said the magic words, "Tienen hambre, quieren comer?"; and, now you know the rest of the story. I never heard say "no" and her warm smile was always afixed to her face. I miss my dad and his corny jokes so I know how you all feel. May the good Lord grant us His blessing and give us His peace. Your cousins in Puerto Rico. Richard and Monín.

Dr. María (Alice) Ramírez

May 8, 2003

Dear Cousins:

How sorry I was to hear that Titi Emilia had died. I can only imagine the Mother’s Day celebration in heaven with Chon, Mami, Gladys, Abuela Filomena and all the Ramirez Moms that are up there. Uncle Johnny, Bobby, Papi, Tíos Ruperto, Rufino and so many others better get ready. Heaven will never be the same!

As I think of Titi Emilia, I sense her sweetness, shyness, humility, warmth, hugs, naivete, and deep devotion to God and her family. When Gladys and I were children, the drive from Brooklyn to Manhattan every Sunday held the promise of delicious carne mechada and empanadillas at Titi Emilia and Uncle Johnny’s house. You could never leave without being stuffed and bringing home a care package. Chon, Mami, Titi Emilia - all were superb cooks whose recipes cannot be replicated. The aromas of sofrito, frituritas de bacalao, pernil and so many other wonderful dishes always filled their homes. It was their mission to fill our tummies with good food and our hearts with faith in God and love for our families. How blessed we all are to have had such wonderful women in our lives. Titi, like Mami, worked hard to give her children the very best. Sometimes we didn’t appreciate their old fashioned ways and rebelled; but, where would we be today had it not been for their sacrifices and love? Nina and I always teased Titi because she never, ever, let go of her big purse no matter what the occasion. Who knows what treasures were contained therein? Mami was that way also. Is this a Puerto Rican Mom fetish? I wonder.

Titi Emilia, I know that you are enjoying eternal life with your heavenly Father and loved ones who preceded you to heaven. Just as you did in this lifetime, smile down on your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers, sister and other family members and bless them. Know that you have touched all of our lives in a very special way and we will never forget you. ¡Qué descances en paz querida Titi Emilia! Como en el pasado, otra vez te pido la bendición. Te quiero mucho.

Nina Ramirez Lucchi

May 8, 2003

My dearest Titi,

I find so many of my childhood memories involve you. While visiting Abuelita, Papí (Guillermo – “Willie”) often took me to visit your home and Uncle Johnny's store. I remember your warmth and the wonderful smells of your cooking permeating the air. When you all left NY for Florida, it was a sad day. In 1962 my Dad brought me to Miami and I lived with you while my parents sold their house and candy store in Brooklyn. For the first time in my life, I knew what it was to live with a family and children close to my age. It was quite an experience for a lonely, chubby kid from Throop Avenue. Although I know I was a handful, you were always patient, kind, and loving. Every holiday you always remembered me or tried to slip “unos pesitos” in my hand, even though you had so many of your own children to take care of… but the best gifts you gave me were the ones you gave by example. That angelic spirit of generosity, humility, kindness you exhibited, your vision of only seeing the good in others, and your deeply rooted spirituality is evident in how you raised your children… and the amazing adults and parents they have become. God bless you Titi, and thank you for being in my life and loving me. Give a hug to Bobby and Uncle Johnny for me.

P.S. Don’t forget your purse :-)

Love, Nina