Maria "Chita" de Jesus Ramirez

Maria (Chita) de Jesus Ramirez, passed peacefully in her sleep following a long illness on Tuesday, May 12th at the age of 92. Known for her jovial demeanor, spontaneity, full hearted raspy laugh, and kind heart, she was well loved and will be solely missed. The proud daughter of Migrant Mexican American farmers, she was born the oldest of four close knit siblings in the city of Austin Texas. She spent her childhood in a variety of colorful states, - including Minnesota, North Dakota, Texas and California. As the oldest, she was often called upon to chaperone the dates of her younger siblings and set the example for her siblings in church. Attractive and outgoing in her youth, she had no shortage of suitors. However, she eventually chose a life filled with family, friends, work, hobbies and passions rather than risk the pain of possible heartbreak.

In the first part of her adult life, she settled down in a comfortable home in La Puente California, where she worked as a seamstress and cultivated her love of the Dodgers. Everyone who knew her, knew of her love for the Dodgers. She could talk baseball like the best of them including avid fans and her many young nieces and nephews. Her nieces have fond memories of visiting Chita in her home in La Puente, where they would intentionally agitate the neighbor’s dog and mess with Chita’s cherished Koi pond, much to Chita’s chagrin!

Chita’s sister Rosa and her husband Francisco moved to Gilroy, California in the 1950s, laying down family roots in the garlic capital just outside of San Jose. When Chita’s parents settled down in the Gilroy area in the 1970s, Chita followed suit, initially living with her parents. Along with Rosa and Rosa’s family, she helped to care for her parents throughout their lives. Eventually, Chita came to own the historical home that her parents had purchased, and turned the home into a multi level tenant property where she served as the landlord. A beloved landlord, tenants appreciated her patience, tolerance, support and affordable rates. Several tenants came to view her as extended family, as did her eventual caretaker.

In Gilroy, Chita worked over thirty years at the Filice and Perrelli Canning Company, the massive agricultural employer in the area. Co-workers appreciated her work ethic and lighthearted personality. She left an indelible mark in Gilroy as one of the neophyte members of the Gilroy Senior Center - joining a variety of groups and clubs, including the Filipino Women’s Council where she was a welcomed and integral member despite her Hispanic heritage. Chita would go to the senior center as often as she could - and rarely missed a trip, casino excursion, Baile, or Bingo. Reno was a favorite stomp as well as trips to Southern California to visit her other siblings and their family members. A cunning and crafty bingo player, she was well known for playing up to 12 cards at one time! Her love of games extended to hours spent playing Rummy, Yahtzee, and other table games with her sister, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews

Her love for spending time with family and friends was legendary. As recently as two months ago, she rarely missed a weekly gathering with her gal pals following Sunday mass. Chita was “always up” for an outing or adventure or family get together!

In addition to her love of the Dodgers, family and friends, Chita was passionate about her church and work for the homeless. Active in the Catholic Ladies Council with her sister Rosa, she devoted at least four hours a week to volunteering in the community. She took pleasure in hosting bible study in her home and spending hours putting together care packages for the homeless, including sleeping bags and toiletries.

Chita was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Antonio, a niece, Olga, two brothers in Law, Francisco Sr. and Salvador, and several cherished nephews, Francisco, Jr., Daniel, and Tony, Jr. Chita is survived by her dear sisters Rosa and Graciela, and many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews!

A Viewing will be dedicated to Chita on Tuesday, May 26th from 5 to 9 pm with the Rosary at 6:00 pm at Habing Family Funeral Home in Gilroy. A mass of Catholic Burial will be offered at 10:00 am Wednesday, May 27th at, at St. Mary’s Parish in Gilroy, followed by interment. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in honor of Maria, to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or St. Joseph’s Family Center of Gilroy.