Born in the Barrio of Dulces Labios Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Josefina came to New York City in the cargo hold of the S.S. Borinquen in 1937 with her younger sisters, Antonia, Emilia and Mercedes. At just thirteen years old, she began working in the garment district in Manhattan. Josefina was a proud member of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union as a piece worker and was a gifted, seamstress who sewed her own clothes and garments. Josefina also sewed clothes for her younger siblings, her daughter and nieces. She supported her family and worked tirelessly so that her only child, Maria Josefina could attend Catholic school in Manhattan.
Known as “Monsin” to her siblings and “Tía Linda” to the many nieces and nephews who grew up around her, Josefina was a steady and generous presence throughout her long life. She lived most of her life in the projects behind Lincoln Center on West 63rd Street near West End Avenue. Josefina was a cherished neighbor and quiet pillar of her community. Though she endured deep hardships including the loss of her husband, Eusebio Ramos, and heartbreaking loss of her beloved daughter in 2016, she met each one with great resilience. Josefina dedicated her life to sewing together a tapestry of family and connection that she would nurture and tend to throughout her entire life. Josefina often said she had not lived an easy life, but when surrounded by those she loved, her pride and joy were unmistakable.
Josefina is lovingly remembered by her granddaughter, Maria Cristina, and her great-grandchildren, Rene and Dontae. She is also remembered with deep affection by her nieces and nephews: Miguelina, Jaime Jr., Christina, Constance, Nelson, and Mercedes and by her great nieces and nephews Camila, Jessie, Sabrina, Thomas, Chloe, Chelsea, Emilio, Nico and Nyomi. She also leaves behind loving in-laws Migdalia, Scott, and Luis Enrique, along with many extended relatives, neighbors, and friends whose lives were enriched by her generosity and care.
Josefina’s strength, resilience, and devotion to family will live on in the many lives she touched and, in the bonds, she helped nurture across generations.
Bendición, Tía Linda. Que descanses en paz y siempre vivirás en nuestros corazones.
