Raquel Ramirez

RAQUEL GUTIERREZ RAMIREZ

JANUARY 15, 1965 – MARCH 28, 2019

“The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want…

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23

Into the arms of our heavenly Father and in the presence of all the saints in glory, we commend the spirit of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Raquel G. Ramirez, 54. She fought an arduous and courageous battle against cancer, with her family steadfast at her side. It was a conflict in which she was not defeated, but rather gained eternal reward that is given to all who believe in Christ and follow Him in His ways. She is loved beyond measure and her legacy will continue on in the hearts and minds of those who knew her.

Raquel was born on January 15, 1965 to Mr. and Mrs. Miguel Gutierrez and Alicia Ramos de Gutierrez. She went to Nixon High School and graduated class of 1982; Laredo Community College, Associate of Arts 1996, Texas A&M International University, Bachelor of Music 2008. She met the love of her life Carlos Rene and together were united in Holy Matrimony at the beautiful blue church of Holy Redeemer. Their union in marriage is a complete testimony of the worship of Christ, family, devoutness, and love. They shared 31 years of marriage in which they were blessed with eight beautiful children, known as “The Ramirez Tribe”.

A woman of great and immense talents, Raquel always cared for her family first and foremost, and even after all of her trials and tribulations here on earth, she always found the time to do God’s work; just as the words of St. Augustine say “We do good deeds, but God works in us in the doing of them.”

Her work with and around the Diocese of Laredo, alongside her husband, included: serving as Pre-Cana Ministers, faithfully passing along the true meaning of love and family to future married couples; her music ministry that started as a teen and continued throughout her life at various parishes throughout the city and lately at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church; a Spouse and Lady of the Knights of Columbus, travelling and supporting her husband Carlos Rene in his duties; as well as supporting the various retreats from CHOICE, CURSILLO and others, always remembering God before anything in this life.

Later in her life, Raquel completed her education and was devoted to practicing what she loved, teaching. She taught her love of music to many students in both the middle and high schools, most recently she dedicated her endowments at Dr. J.G. Cigarroa Middle School. The young minds she has left her incalculable impression on are an exceptional testament to her legacy and are a vital asset to this community.

We all are given free will to complete our own journey here on earth. Our lives were and will continue to be blessed with everything Raquel has done, taught, and will continue to do in those whose lives she has touched. There are no words to express our gratitude for the prayers, calls, texts, emotional, physical support throughout these past few weeks and throughout her battle. May God grant you blessings and may her spirit live on through your works.

Raquel has left us, but has also taught us a great number of things, that in summation, culminate completely what St. Augustine said: "Where your pleasure is, there is your treasure; where your treasure is, there is your heart; where your heart is, there is your happiness."

May you be granted eternal rest in the presence of all the angels and saints.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her beloved husband of 31 years of marriage: Carlos Rene Ramirez Sr.; children: Carlos Rene Ramirez, Jr., +Raguel Ramirez, Raquel (Oscar) Torres, Rita Ramirez, Carlos Roberto Ramirez, Rebecca Ramirez, Carlos Ricardo Ramirez, Carlos Rodolfo Ramirez; grandchildren: Desiree Alina Torres, Sophia Alana Torres, Nathan Allan Torres, Alicia Alayla Torres, Emma Leah Lopez; siblings: +Miguel Gutierrez Jr., Miguel Angel Gutierrez, +Rodolfo Gutierrez, Juanita Gutierrez, Andres (Lourdes) Gutierrez, Sergio (Sylvia) Gutierrez, Martha Alicia (Juan) Charles, Norma Idalia Alfaro, Sylvia (Greg) Prew, Jorge (Maribel) Gutierrez; father and mother-in–law: Rosalio and Bertha Ramirez and brother in law: Gerardo (Teresita) Ramirez. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

While floral tributes are appreciated and will be accepted, there has been an official memorial fund instituted in Raquel’s honor. Please go to Facebook and access the “Raquel G. Ramirez Memorial Fund” to leave a donation in her memory if you wish.

The family will be receiving condolences on Sunday, March 31, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.

Preparations will be made at the conclusion of the visitation to transfer Raquel to the church for the Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary to be offered at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral procession will depart the funeral chapel at 9:15 a.m. to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the San Agustin section of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Carlos Rene Ramirez, Jr., Carlos Roberto Ramirez, Carlos Ricardo Ramirez, Carlos Rodolfo Ramirez, Oscar Torres, Jerry Ramirez, Daniel Hernandez, and Tony Rangel.

The family would like to express their appreciation and thanks to Dr. Eduardo Miranda, Dr. Rajiv Rajani, Dr. Flavio Castaneda, Dr. Santiago Gutierrez, Dr. Amando Garza, IV, Dr. Miguel Solis, Dr. Manuel Jovel, Dr. Diego Menchaca and the countless other healthcare professionals who assisted in the care of Raquel during her illnesses. Their kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Road, Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.