Yolanda Ramirez

Yolanda was born on May 10, 1948, in San Antonio, Texas, to Annie and Ralph Lopez. After years of being a stay at home mom, she returned to school and earned her B.A. degree in Education, Magna Cum Laude from the University of the Incarnate Word. She built a meaningful career as an elementary school teacher, where she touched the lives of countless young students over the years.

Yolanda's greatest devotion was to her family. She was, first and foremost, a steadfast presence for her husband, daughters and parents lives. That same love naturally grew to embrace her grandchildren and the wider community she helped build in Austin. She had a gift for making people feel cared for, and she spent her life doing exactly that.

Yolanda was preceded in death by her husband, Narcisso T. Ramirez and her parents, Rafael & Anita Lopez. She is survived by her daughters, Laurice Ramirez and granddog Sully, Liesl Smaistrla; son-in-law, Thomas Smaistrla; grandchildren, Andrew and Lilia Smaistrla, granddogs Milo and Duncan; sister, Linda Saadeh (husband Sharbel) and sons Paul & Victor Saadeh; brother, John Lopez (wife Ilda) and son John Derrick Lopez.

Yolanda will be remembered for her warmth, her devotion to family, and the community she nurtured around her. Her presence brought comfort and connection to all who knew her, and her legacy will live on through the family and community she loved so deeply.

A Mass will be held in her honor on October 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke's Catholic Church in San Antonio, TX.