Carmen Ramirez Kanzie

The sun gleamed a youthful glow over the green grass. The raw air sent a crisp cool chill through anyone taking a deep breath. Sounds of roosters singing were heard in the distance. When on the 10th hour, the calm air became a more energized breeze; a little girl with signs of good health arrived to this ranch in the neighborhood of San Marcos, Jalisco and was give the name Maria Del Carmen Ramirez, 57 years later, on Friday, March 2, 2012 around 5:15 in the evening, Carmen Ramirez died, having suffered from a terminal illness that abruptly ended her life. A rose so delicate yet so sharp was cut short and taken from this earth. Our mother, Carmen Ramirez, was an over achiever, a burst of energy and for being 5’ 2” she stood as if she was 6 feet tall. With full attention to her family, she managed to raise a family home, get involved in the lives of her parents and siblings, make many friends, maintain two full-time jobs (sometimes more), since the age of 14, and all the while being in a foreign country.

Maria Del Carmen was born on July 1, 1954 as the sixth legitimate daughter of Josefina Arreola, who was born in Amatlan de Caña, Nayarit and daughter of Gregorio Ramirez, born in San Marcos, Jalisco. His parents, Romulo Ramirez and Adelaida Garcia, were alive to testify Carmen’s birth. Carmen’s grandparents from her mother’s side, Lorenzo Arreola and Maria Del Carmen Leon, were deceased at the time. Carmen grew up with three sisters: Blanca, Graciela and Guadalupe and five brothers: Arnulfo, Luis, Antonio, Humberto and Lorenzo. She grew up in a ranch in San Marcos, Jalisco. The lifestyle, specifically “el rodeo” is what she loved to reminisce about the most.

Her life was full of nature’s offerings from mango and guava trees to chicken and horses. At the age of 14, her life became intense since she moved to the city. Specifically to the city of San Diego, California in the United States of America. One of the first of her generation to move to a different country in search of a better life.

In Mexico, her highest level of education was high school. Here in the U.S. she quickly established herself learning English and quickly becoming employed. She even got to work with one of her closest siblings, Antonio Ramirez, whom unfortunately passon on November 18, 2010 as a result of a heart attack. Carmen made a lot of friends. She was married until the last few years of her life. On April 16, 2011, my mother was diagnosed with small lung cell cancer. She battled it with variations of treatments both chemically and natural. She never gave up. Finally on March, 2, 2012, her fight was over. She passed away in the comfort of her home with her family by her side. She left this earth in peace at around 5:15 that evening. She is survived by her six children and two grandchildren and 7 siblings.

Date of her service takes place on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at Glen Abbey (9:30 – 1:00 p.m.) which also indicates her final resting place.

My name is also Carmen. I am the 4th child of my mother, Carmen Ramirez. From what I remember my mother was best described with one word: “Elegance” she loved to strive for better. She was a hard worker and if you ever mention the phrase “I’m bored”, you better believe she’ll find something for you to do! She taught her children the value of education as well as to be organized. She would always tell us, being poor or rich has nothing to do with being clean, being clean is not an option, it’s a must. Mom loved to shop and she always looked fashionable. She loved to listen to, Rocio Dulcar, Vicente Fernandez and Los Bukis (amongst others), while at home cooking or cleaning. She loved caring for her pet bird but most importantly, her family. I will most definitely miss my mom’s presence but I know and have always felt that she is close to me helping me and guiding me so that I will never be alone. She is at peace now looking out for each and everyone she loved.

Her daughter, Carmen Silva