Connie Bermudez Ram

Our mother was born to Maria and Salvador Bermudez in Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico on February 10, 1940. She had an older brother, Jaime and an older sister, Socorro which have both preceded her. Other sibilings include Salvador (Chava), Caesar, Remy, and Trudi.

When she was around eight years old her mother decided to come to El Norte and settled in brawley, California, where mom met our dad at age 16. They got married and lived with dads' mom, Josephina in Brawley. Bonnie was born soon thereafter, then Ruben and Richard (Rick). During these years, mom worked hard in the packing shed in El Centro, where we eventually settle in to our house they bought and shortly after Robert was born there.

Mom had a challenging life but learned to overcome. She was resolute, strong and very resourceful. She enjoyed going to San Felipe, fishing the canals, Salton Sea where she would watch her brother Caesar cath Corvina and her mother chase off flying bats.

Mom was pretty private with her family and life but we had times when she was very hospitable. Mom taught us all the value of hard work. Faith to mom was special and personal and it was not forced upon her children. She tried to introduce religion to her kids but dad would not allow it in his house.

Mom would always light up when her kids and grandchildren would show up to visit her grandchilren Michelle, Crystal, Michael, Hunter, Annelyse, Ruben Jr., Taylor, Raena, Telicha, Sherrice, Josh, Rick, Ryan, Rene, and 16 great-grandchildren whom she loved in her own way. She was our strength and held our family together the best she could.

For the most part, mom was very healthy until May of 2011 when she was diagnosed with stage four cancer of the colon and liver. She spent a while in the hospital and the disease took its toll, weakening her but she fought her way back and was sent home. She was very strong and courageous throughout the battle, never complaining, always saying everything is okay. It seems like she found peace and accepted what was to come. It was great to see her share and her faith come back to life, knowing she was going to live in our Father's house.

Psalm 71

In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.

Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.

Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.

Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.

By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.

I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.

Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.

Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.