Marie Cora Ramirez

May 28, 1921 - July 30, 2020

Marie Cora Ramirez passed away on July 30, 2020. Marie was born on a hacienda in the Mexican state of Coahuila on May 28, 1921. Her family first came to the United States in 1923 when she was only 2 years old. They came back and settled in America in 1926. She became a proud citizen of the United States of America as an adult and raised her family to love and respect this nation that had welcomed her and given her the opportunity to live the American dream. She went to college, met her husband Joe and raised a beautiful family. Marie was the first born of 12 children. She learned to love God by the example and teaching of her grandmother, Lucita, who advised her to "love God and look for Him wherever you go". She was also taught to love her family and especially her in-laws, whom she cherished. She learned at an early age from her grandmother and mother that family's need strong leadership. Marie married Joe Martinez Ramirez on July 25, 1943. They had seven children who blessed them with 25 grandchildren. Marie was a great storyteller and would often bless her grandchildren with accounts of her childhood experiences helping her parents on the farms and fields of the central valley. Our Mom was always willing and able to give advice and instruction to people that needed help navigating life especially her kids and grandkids! She loved serving not only her family but her community as well. She willingly gave time to work as a catechism teacher at Holy Family Catholic Church in Kingsburg. She was a 4-H leader for 20 years and a PTA leader during the years that her children were in school. She was given the Citizen of the year award by the city of Kingsburg in 2004. As part of her personal growth and learning she became a member of the Third Order Franciscan Fraternity and would attend weekend retreats with other members of that Order. She loved dearly and was dearly loved by that community of believers. She always was grateful for the support her husband, Joe gave her by allowing her to be involved both in her local church and the Franciscans. She displayed in word and deed this mission in life that she believed her Lord had given to her. We will miss her smile, laughter, and her dedication to serving the Lord, her family and community with undying faith. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day�" 2Timothy 4:7-8 Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Valente and Catalina Nunez, her husband Joe Ramirez, and daughter Mary Rosary Wallace, as well as her brothers; Pete, Manuel, Frank, Rudy, Jim, Margarito & Ruben Nunez. She is survived by 6 children: Richard Ramirez (Marion), Cathy Stacy (Chet), Bette Ramirez, Joe Ramirez Jr. (Joyce), Christy Cook (Rick) and Clare Duncan (Jeramie). As well as, 25 Grandchildren, 33 Great Grandchildren, 3 Great-Great Grandchildren and three sisters; Delores Contreras, Mary Lou Marquez, Amelia Nunez and one brother Fernando Nunez. Visitation & Rosary will be Thursday, August 13, 2020, 5:30-7:00 p.m.at Holy Family Catholic Church in Kingsburg, CA. Funeral mass will be on Friday, August 14, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Kingsburg. Christian burial to follow at the Kingsburg Cemetery. The rosary & funeral mass will take place in the park behind the church. Please bring your own chairs to sit in and we ask that everyone in attendance practice social distancing; please refrain from hugging and shaking hands. Masks must be worn at all times. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to: Capuchin Franciscan Missionaries P.O. Box 197 Solvang, CA 93464 Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.