Ramona Marie Musumeci

Ramona Marie (Mano) Musumeci, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2024, at age 100 years and 9 months. A proud Santa Clara, California native, Ramona was born at home on Fremont Street to her Portuguese immigrant parents, Antonio and Antonia Mano, the youngest of six children. She grew up in Santa Clara when it was just a small town surrounded by beautiful orchards. After graduating from Santa Clara High School, Ramona attended secretarial school, and was employed at a San Jose insurance company for several years. In 1951 Ramona married her sweetheart, Anthony, and together they lovingly raised four children in Santa Clara. Throughout the years, Ramona was a parishioner at Saint Claire’s Church, a member of local community groups, a childcare provider, an avid reader, a nurturing homemaker, and an enthusiastic supporter of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and endeavors. She embraced empty-nesting by taking ballroom dance lessons with her husband. They could be found on many weekends taking a spin on local dancefloors at the American Legion, Eagles and Elks Lodges and others with her regular “group” of friends. Ramona was a loving wife, devoted sister, aunt, and friend. She especially cherished her role as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; always present with hugs and kisses, words of encouragement and sound advice. She will be remembered for her famous stuffed buns, Christmas cannoli, and always having an open door for all. In her later years she was a resident of Valley Village, and in her final weeks she was lovingly cared for by the staff at Pruneridge Residential Care Home #2 and Sutter Health Care at Home/Hospice of the Valley. Ramona is survived by her children Anthony Musumeci (Sharon), Debbie Tillinger, Michael Musumeci (Diane), and Randy Musumeci (Tracie); grandchildren Danielle (Ralph), Nick, Michael (Chrissy), Sarah (Marcus), Rachel (Paul), Amanda (Chris), and Elliott; great-grandchildren Leilani, Ralphie, Ramona, Alaya, Jayce, Roary, Ell, Phoenix, and Randy; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ernie and Dorothy Musumeci; and a multitude of nieces and nephews. Ramona was predeceased by her parents, her husband Anthony, son-in-law Michael Tillinger, brothers Johnny, Bennie, Hank, and Manuel Mano; sister Mary Vaccaro, and other beloved family and friends. A woman of faith, family, wisdom, and strength, Ramona was loved by all and will be dearly missed. A viewing will be held from 9:30 -10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Lima Family Mortuary, 466 North Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara, CA, with a funeral service to follow at 10:30 a.m. at the same location. At 12:30 p.m. that day, a graveside ceremony will take place at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln Street, Santa Clara, CA.

The family would like to thank Leilani, Maryann and all the caregivers at Pruneridge Residential Care Home #2 and the Hospice staff at Sutter Health Care at Home as well as the staff at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara for their excellent care and services.