Carolina Ramirez

Carolina was born May 3, 1939, in San Quintin, Pangasinan, Philippines to Fidel (town Doctor) and Benita Ramirez (homemaker and businesswoman). She was the third born of 12 children and was the eldest female of the siblings. Carolina lived a busy life growing up with new siblings arriving every other year. She learned how to cook while helping in the panciteria her mother ran in San Quintin.

After graduating high school, she went to Quezon City to attend school at Maryknoll College and later transferred to the Philippine Women’s University in Manila. During her time in college, Carolina’s brother had introduced her to his good friend Tony, who was 6 years older than Carolina and he had earlier enlisted in the US Navy. Tony was also from San Quintin. The two soon became serious pen pals! Carolina and Tony must have written some good love letters, because on June 9, 1958, they were married in the Philippines.

Carolina stayed in the Philippines to finish college while Tony returned to California to join his Navy unit. After Carolina graduated with a BS degree in Education, she taught English for a period before she joined Tony in Long Beach, California. From 1961 to 1971, our parents were stationed in Long Beach, Treasure Island (near San Francisco), and Norfolk, Virginia. During this time, Carolina and Tony grew their family with the births of Ron (’62), Anthony (’64), and Joseph (’69).

From 1971 to 1976, Carolina and the boys followed Tony on his next assignments to Naples and Gaeta, Italy. While stationed in Italy, the family got to travel throughout Europe. They enjoyed multiple trips throughout Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, France, Monaco, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The family developed many friendships with the wonderful Italian people they met and shared wonderful experiences while living there.

In 1976, the family returned to the U.S. and settled in San Diego. Carolina joined Moore Publishing putting together the MLS books used by realtors to sell properties throughout the US. She worked there until her retirement from the company.

Upon retirement, Carolina and Tony enjoyed numerous trips to the Philippines to visit family. They also went on cruises to the Mexican Riviera and Alaska.

Over the years, Carolina and Tony enjoyed being a part of the San Quintin Association of San Diego, being one of the founding members in the late 1970’s. What brought the most enjoyment for Carolina was spending time together with Tony while reading, listening to music, and watching her favorite TV shows of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Another was visiting with Anthony & Nolita’s family in Bakersfield and later in Chula Vista, and Ron & Theresa’s family in Vista. She loved attending the grandchildren’s sporting events, school plays, and musical performances. She supported all the grandchildren’s activities.

What was our mom (aka Lala) known for?

Mom loved Dad. She also loved her children, grandchildren (who called her Lala), and family very much. She cared deeply for her friends and fellow Quintinians and kept in touch with many of them throughout her lifetime.

Throughout her life, Mom was very generous with family and friends in need, without any expectations of repayment. Like Dad, she knew that everything came from the Lord, and she used her Blessings to help others!

Even though Mom was strong and stoic, her wit and humor was always present, even at the very end. Seeing Mom over her last days showed us that she was always listening, and she would smile when she heard a familiar voice or laughter in the room. It was in her nature to know that God was always in control and to trust in Him. Mom was at peace with Her Heavenly Father.

On Monday, August 21st, at Palomar Hospital, we were all gathered in her hospital room to say our goodbyes. She was alert and present and was able to speak with each of us to give us words of encouragement. She said that she was ready for the next phase of her life and that she had no regrets. She loved all of us and we loved her back. That evening was truly a miracle for all of us and we’ll remember that moment forever.

A special Thank You goes out to our Auntie Adele. Over the past 18 months as our Mom faced various health setbacks, she was our helper, advocate, and family doctor. Her presence was a real blessing. We can’t thank her enough!

On August 30th, our Mom, Carolina, joined Tony and son Anthony in Heaven.

Mom touched many lives over the years and her life was truly a blessing. We will all miss her. Until we see her smile again in Heaven…We love you Mom.