Josephine G Ramirez

Josephine Gonzalez Ramirez, beloved mother and constant protector, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3rd, at the age of 101. Born on July 17, 1924, to Gumesindo and Teresa Gonzalez, Josephine was raised in humble circumstances. At just 14 years old, she took on the responsibility of caring for her four brothers, Paco, Alfredo, Orlando, and Mike, and soon after, given in marriage to Jimmie Ramirez. She had a maturity far beyond her years with an eagerness to learn and a disciplined work ethic that allowed her to overcome and succeed. She did not know what lay before her yet never allowed the darkness of uncertainty to deter her.

Jimmie was her loving mate and equal match. Together they formed an enduring bond, becoming one soul in life. Jimmy, Carlos, and Teresa were born of their union and the hardships they faced together created a strong family unit. Their love reached the entire extended family, that throughout life, looked to Josephine and Jimmie for their strength and wisdom.

Josephine began her life's journey as a devoted daughter, continuing as a tireless worker in the cotton field, loving mother, school cafeteria worker, and skilled seamstress. She chose to attend beauty school and became the proud owner & operator of Josie's Beauty Salon.

In her final days she expressed the wish to have one common mass for herself and her grandson, Rodney James Ramirez, who preceded her in death on Monday, December 23, 2025. Rodney James was the first-born grandchild and brought immense joy with his laughter and smile which always filled the room with warmth and love. Music was his gift, and on the saxophone, he captured your attention and changed your mood in all the ways that music should. Rodney's passing was made even more difficult by the fact that she could not be by his side in his last moments. The mass is her way of embracing her grandson in their final journey together.

Josephine Gonzalez Ramirez never shied from a challenge and showed her joy of life through song and dance. She loved her family and opened her heart to all, most especially the many children who crossed her path and knew her as Grandma. She was quick to anger, but even quicker to forgive and forget. Her faith in God and devotion to the Catholic Church provided her great strength. Her civic pride was unparalleled and as a staunch Democrat, she understood the importance of her voice and the power of the vote. In every sense, she was the embodiment of God, Country, and Family.

Reflecting on her life, I recall a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, "Will."

There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent, hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.

Our mother was such a soul. We shall miss her dearly and will cherish the memory of her Sunday breakfasts which provided a lifetime of family love and joy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie Ramirez; son, Jimmy Ramirez; grandsons, Christopher Seely and Rodney James Ramirez; daughter-in-law, Mary Alice Ramirez; and son-in-law, Victor Seely.

Josephine Ramirez is survived by her daughter, Teresa Seely; son, Carlos Ramirez (Margaret Gutierrez), daughter-in-law, Mary Agnes Ramirez; granddaughters, Elissa Szymanski (Robert [Bob] Szymanski) and Julie Drew (Mark Drew); grandson, Andrew Ramirez; great grandson, Robert Szymanski and great granddaughter, Lily Szymanski.

A rosary will take place at 11:30 am on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at St. Dominic Catholic Church (5919 Ingram Road, San Antonio, Texas 78228) with mass immediately following at 12:00 pm.

Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

Thank you all for loving and caring for her. It's so much appreciated.