Graciela Ramirez

Graciela G. Ramirez, 80, joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.  Gigi, as she was affectionately known, will forever be remembered in the hearts of the many she left behind for her unconditional love and strength of spirit.

Graciela is preceded in death by her parents Blas and Dionicia L. Garza; siblings: Raul Garza, Hermina (Amedee) Juarez, Hilda (Rodolfo) Benavides, Gilberto (Yolanda) Garza, Blas (Graciela) Garza, Ricardo Garza and brother-in-law Omar Perez; grandchildren Teresa Isabel Ramirez and Matthew and Joseph Rheinschimdt.

She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years Javier Ramirez; children: Javier (Elsa) Ramirez Jr., Juan Gerardo (Susan) Ramirez, Armando (Alma) Ramirez, Angie (Leonel) Salinas and Yvonne (Scott) Rheinschmidt; grandchildren:  Javier "JR" (Laura) Ramirez III, Erica (Daniel) Salinas, Joey (Estela) Ramirez, Andrea (Jeremy) Pawelek, Elizabeth (Jose) De la Cruz, Johnny (Sarah) Ramirez, Briana Grace Ramirez, Noey Armando Ramirez, Alfredo Ramirez, Leo (Jackie) Salinas Jr, Blas Daniel (Amanda) Salinas, Javier Samuel Salinas, Amy Salinas, Zack (Cassandra) Rheinschmidt, Chelsea (Cody) Ward, William Rheinschmidt; and twenty great-grandchildren; she is survived by her sister Gloria Perez, brother Ramiro (Hilda) Garza; sisters-in-law Rachel Garza, and Irene Garza; as well as dear compadres Osvaldo and Juanita Ramirez.  

Gigi was also surrounded by many loved ones, including her beloved nieces and nephews, friends and special care-givers who continually demonstrated so much love and support especially during her final months on earth.

Graciela was a devout Catholic and a prayerful lady. She dutifully volunteered her services as the Religion Education Coordinator at San Vicente de Paul Catholic Church for nearly 30 years.  This was her labor of love; it gave her great satisfaction in knowing that she nourished the faith of countless children, youth, and adults. She made life-long friends along the way and was highly esteemed for her generous heart. Having a special devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary, she taught us by example to pray the rosary daily. 

Gigi married the love of her life, Javier, in 1961 at the tender age of seventeen, and their love prevailed over the decades by virtue of their constant devotion to our Lord. Together they built a beautiful life in Laredo and at their family ranch in Zapata, Texas.  She was a beautiful mother, who made many sacrifices to make sure each of her five children felt the weight of her love and support. She was especially generous with some of her greatest loves, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She had a unique and remarkable way of making each feel extra special.  

She was vibrant and radiated light with her beautiful spirit.  She possessed a grand zest for life and was passionate about celebrating it.  Hosting countless holiday parties and celebrating her loved ones' milestones, no matter how big or small, Gigi tended to thoughtful details in festive decorations, party favors, and mouth-watering menus.  

We place our trust that this beautiful child of God no longer frets over the details of life but instead is now welcomed to the most fabulous and eternal feast as a guest in the heavenly kingdom of our Lord.

The family will be receiving condolences on Monday evening, March 11, 2024 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Tuesday morning, March 12, 2024 departing at 8:15 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to San Agustin Cathedral for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. 

Pallbearers are grandsons: JR Ramirez, Leo Salinas, Zack Rheinschimdt, Johnny Ramirez, Joey Ramirez, Danny Salinas, Javier Samuel Salinas, Freddy Ramirez, William Rheinschmidt.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.