Estrella R. Ponsdomenech

Estrella Ramirez Ponsdomenech was born on September 15, 1921, in Manzanillo, Cuba. Her mother, Dolores Leon was a concert pianist and her father, Jose Vicente Ramirez was a dentist, philanthropist and active political figure. She was the third of six sisters, Ena, Dolores, Hortencia, Ernestina and Cristina. Estrella moved to Havana to pursue her studies. As was the custom, she sat as chaperone on a date for her cousin Cristina and her then boyfriend Raul, whose best friend was a debonair medical student, Saul. He and Estrella were introduced and fell in love. After completing their studies, the couple married in 1947 and began their respective careers. Estrella taught kindergarten until the daughters, Ena and Adis were born, whereupon she began teaching part-time. In 1961 Estrella courageously fled Cuba with her daughters and nephew, Rafe, who were in danger of being removed from the family for communist indoctrination. She arrived in the United States with a small amount of money she smuggled out in a corsage and without knowledge of the language. Her fortitude and determination allowed her to provide for the children for months, while waiting for her husband to be permitted to leave Cuba to join her. Once reunited, the family moved to Pennsylvania. While there, Estrella learned the language, learned to drive in the snow and worked for a short time as a Spanish teacher. Once settled into the American way of life, and after her husband re-established his medical credentials, Estrella dedicated herself to her family and was a pillar of strength for her husband and was always there for her daughters, who adored and admired her immensely. She loved her two sons-in-law, Edd and Blair like the true sons they were to her. She adored her grandsons, Devin and David who always put a bigger smile on her face. She delighted in her great-grandchildren, Maritza and Jake (David’s children) and loved Charlotte, his wife, like a granddaughter. Estrella and Saul were married 60 years and enjoyed a life full of family, friends and love. She enjoyed painting with pastels, playing the piano, cooking, dancing and traveling with her family and friends. Estrella will best be remembered by her perpetual smile, upbeat personality and absolute love of life.

Estrella was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Emily Hess; three older sisters, Ena, Dolores and Hortencia; and her husband, Saul. Her family takes comfort in her conviction that she will once again be reunited with the love of her life.