Maria Delia Ramirez's Obituary
Weslaco-Maria Delia Ramirez, 89, has gone to her heavenly home. She passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories. Her kindness, strength, and devotion to family and friends will be remembered by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever held in our hearts.
Mrs. Ramirez was born on May 29, 1937, in Weslaco, Texas, to Dionicio and Rafaela Valdez. She was the youngest daughter and the 14th of their children. Raised north of Weslaco on the beloved family ranch on “La Cuatro”, she spent her entire life in the community she cherished. Mrs. Ramirez grew up in a hardworking and close-knit family, where her father dedicated his life to cotton farming and her mother lovingly cared for their home and children. The values of faith, family, and perseverance instilled in her during those early years remained with her throughout her life.
Growing up in the Valdez household meant starting each day no later than 5:00 a.m., with numerous chores to complete both inside and outside the home. As one of the youngest members of the family, Mrs. Ramirez was responsible for helping feed the farm animals and assisting in the kitchen. As she grew older, she helped with the cotton harvest. Through these responsibilities, she developed a strong work ethic rooted in respect for her parents, her siblings, and herself.
Maria Delia learned to cook from her mother and gradually perfected her culinary skills. Her mother also made certain that all of the Valdez daughters learned traditional handicrafts such as crocheting, needlepoint, cross-stitching, and, most significantly, quilting. This artistic skill became especially meaningful to Mrs. Ramirez, who later passed her love and knowledge of quilting on to her children.
She married the love of her life, Pedro, in the mid 1950s. They were dedicated and supportive parents who created a loving home for their children. Through their hard work and unwavering commitment to their family, they provided opportunities and encouragement for their children to pursue their goals. Together, they instilled many values and the importance of education, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of their children and grandchildren.
Mrs. Ramirez dedicated her life to serving others. Alongside her family, she has been a devoted parishioner of San Martin de Porres Catholic Church since its dedication in 1966. In the early 1970s, the parish pastor, Fr. Fortunato Herrero, OMI, asked Mr. and Mrs. Ramirez to serve as the founding pillars of the San Juditas Catholic Mission. They embraced this responsibility with dedication and faith, helping establish a vibrant community. From the celebration of the first Mass at San Juditas until her death, Mrs. Ramirez remained deeply committed to both San Martin de Porres and San Juditas.
Her volunteer service was extraordinary and inspirational. She was a member of the San Martin de Porres Altar Society from 1966 to 1986 and served as its president from 1970 through 1986. For more than 20 years, she coordinated the parish altar servers, and for over 35 years, she taught CCD classes at both San Martin de Porres and San Juditas, serving as CCD Coordinator at San Juditas from 1990 to 1994.
She also served multiple terms on the San Martin de Porres Parish Council and was a member of the parish Tithing Committee for 20 years. She coordinated Holy Week, Easter, and Christmas celebrations and oversaw the care and organization of priestly vestments, altar server vestments, and altar linens.
From 1970 through 1994, she was employed by the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville, working at San Martin De Porres, St. Pius X Catholic Church, and St. Theresa Of The Infant Jesus Catholic Church. Following her retirement, she continued her commitment to serving those in need by volunteering at the San Martin de Porres Charity Center from 2009 to 2020 and was a member of the Missionaries of Jesus, an organization dedicated to serving the community through various outreach programs and services.
Her dedication extended beyond the parish. She was a member of the United in Faith Committee for the Diocese of Brownsville and completed studies to become a Lay Minister between 1983 and 1987. She contributed to the production of Passion Play costumes at San Martin de Porres in the early 1970s, and three decades later, again served on the costume team for the Diocese of Brownsville’s presentation of The Passion of Christ.
Mrs. Ramirez was also active in the broader community. She was a member of the Sierra Club from Brownsville and volunteered with the Weslaco Independent School District, the Weslaco High School Band Boosters, and the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce, working on both the Return To The Rio Winter Texan Extravaganza and the RGV Onion Festival. She also did volunteer work for the Weslaco Boys & Girls Club and the Knapp Medical Center Foundation's annual Harvest Night fundraiser.
Through her leadership and never-ending commitment to service, Mrs. Ramirez touched countless lives and left a lasting legacy in her church, her community, and the hearts of all who knew her. Throughout their lives, Mr. and Mrs. Ramirez served faithfully and were an inspiration to many. Together, they answered God’s call to serve as Godparents to more than 50 children and adults, providing steadfast faith, guidance, and devotion.
Maria Delia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Pedro D. Ramirez, Sr.; her eldest daughter, Minerva “Minnie” Ramirez Ramos; and her parents, Dionicio and Rafaela. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Domingo, Manuel II, Bernabe, Juliana V. Valadez, Elisa Gallardo, Inocencia Celedon, Francisca Rendon, Roberto II, Juanita V. Leal, Merced, Martha V. Serrano, George, and Erasmo. In addition, her brothers Manuel I and Roberto I passed away as toddlers.
She is survived by her children Maria Antonia “Toni” Reyna (Ricardo, Sr.), Pedro Ramirez, Jr., Horacio Ramirez, Yolanda R. Salinas (Miguel, Jr.), Norma Linda R. Martinez (Marco Antonio), and Maria Delia “Leli” Ramirez (Joel Sherman), her grandchildren Cristina “Clari” Ramos, Jose R. “Bobby” Ramos, Jr., Shelbi L. Salinas (Jon Paul), Sydni D. Salinas (Ryan), and Ricardo Reyna, Jr., her beloved son-in-law Jose Roberto Ramos, Sr. and her closest niece Josefa Valdez, and her loving pets, Sweetie and Penny.
Funeral arrangements (McCaleb Funeral Home, Weslaco) are scheduled as follows: Thursday, June 11, public viewing from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.; Funeral Mass will be Friday, June 12, at 10:00 a.m. at San Martin De Porres Catholic Church, 901 N. Texas Blvd., Weslaco, with internment to follow at Highland Memorial Park, 6705 FM 88, Weslaco.
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