Luz Selenia Ramirez "Solmar"

Luz Selenia "Solmar" Ramirez, 81, a long-time resident of Jacksonville, Florida passed away September 10, 2019. Her service will be held 9:30 am on Friday, September 27 at Assumption Catholic Church where she was a member. Luz was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on April 17, 1938 to loving parents: the late Augusto Mario Ramirez, an army veteran, and Luz Selenia Olmeda, a nurse. She spent many years on the island that she loved first with her family of origin which also included her brother, Junior, then married to her high school sweetheart. Education was very important to Luz's family and became a life-long priority for her. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a degree in psychology. Family commitments required she leave school just a few credits shy of her master's degree, but she pursued independent study the remainder of her life. Luz dedicated her career to addictions counseling and, during her time in Jacksonville, was a much loved, long-time employee of Gateway Community Services. Social work was a passion for her and was a calling that allowed her to serve others. Luz incorporated other joys, humor and food, into her work. Clients and colleagues alike loved "Miss Lucy" as many at Gateway knew her. Her impact is felt even today, years after her retirement. Beyond her career, Luz's greatest passion and the source of all her pride were her children and grandchildren. Luz is survived by her five children: Lizzie Collazo; Leonardo "Lenny" Collazo; Augusto "Cucho" Collazo; Yaheli Torres; and Zirah Torres McGrath. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: Cristina and Peyton Cooper; Rene Scott-Collazo; Gisela, Tobias, and Elias Cooper; Imaya Rankins; Cara Foley; Luca McGrath; and August Bennett. Luz's family and faith were her identity and the purpose of life. Those who were loved by her enjoyed the privilege of her special attention, and her presence will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Catholic Charities, Gateway Community Services, and Ronald McDonald House where Luz volunteered time.