Contributions to the tribute of Ramona Y. De La Cruz

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Jacqueline Dudley lit a candle

Monday, December 31, 2018

Dear Roxi Gomez and Family, My thoughts and prayers remain with you during this Holiday Season

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Alfa Polanco lit a candle

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

May Ramona De La Cruz rest in peace.

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Carolyn Genao posted a condolence

Monday, November 19, 2018

A Letter to Ayla … My Dear Ayla, You won’t know this woman. You won’t know this wondrous woman who was so loved and revered by all, a true matriarch and the heart of our family. You won’t know her genuine, generous heart – her quick wit and biting tongue. You won’t know this mountainous soul who accomplished more in her life with what she had than most people could. You won’t know a stronger, more hardworking yet humble person than your great grandmother. She raised six children - all educated, all successful, all loving, respectful and family oriented (values she instilled in them) – while working from dawn to dusk at a factory in the Dominican Republic. And then later in life when she came to the United States she worked cleaning bathrooms at a department store all the way in Brooklyn until closing time, so that she could retire and collect a pension. And she travelled by foot, taking busses and trains - rain or shine, or snow. “Hard work never killed anyone”, she told me once. She did it with dignity and grace. She never looked down at any job or any one for that matter. You’ll never get to go to apartment 2B in 138th street on the weekends where she would make a typical delicious meal of arroz y habichuelas con carne guisada or moro de habichuela negras con rabo for us while we watched Sabado Gigante, a four hour Spanish variety show she never missed and was on air for like a hundred years. I’ll always treasure those weekly mini family gatherings and hope we can continue the same closeness and unity she enforced. She’ll never bring you a cuban sandwich from Flor de Broadway or a slice of pizza from the corner Pizzeria on her way back from the laundromat. Realize that the apartment building where she resided was located at the bottom of a hill. Every weekend, this woman would load her laundry cart and tie it up so the clothes would not fall out, and proceed to make the steep journey to the top and back down. She made it look easy and never complained. You’ll never know a more welcoming, whole hearted person. She made anyone and everyone instantly feel like part of the family. She became a grandmother, a mother, a sister and an aunt to more than just her kids and immediate family. Grown men who are not even related to her called her Mama Ramona. You could show up last minute at dinner time and not only was there was always plenty of food but she made you feel like the most honored guest. Making sure everyone felt included was a priority for her. Whether it was a neighbor or the cleaning lady, she gave everyone the same attention and level of respect. Her powerful status in the family and the reverence she was had by all could be felt by anyone who just walked in the room. She didn’t have to say much to command it. It was a force she emitted from within that could only come from age and wisdom. “Mas sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo.” was often quoted by her. It also came from her piercing and chilling stare that would stop anyone right in their tracks no matter their age. Your great grandmother was not politically correct. There was not a phony bone in her body and I loved her for it. As she aged her tongue seemed to lose its brakes and it was pretty hilarious. Any time I showed up with my hair undone she would say, “Ay pero arreglate esa grena”, before even saying hello. And when I was pregnant with you she would often say how big my behind was getting. This was the same woman who was still penciling in her eyebrows a few weeks before her passing because guests had arrived to see her. One had to give her plenty of notice and time before leaving the house because she had to get herself dolled up. She never left the house not looking her best and well put together, even in her last years. You won’t know her, but she knew you. And she loved you more than you’ll ever know. You brought her immense joy the minute she held you in her arms. And when she was in her death bed and could hardly move, you sparked a light in her that must’ve come from the heavens. You made her smile and laugh when she didn’t even have the strength to eat. You’ll get to know her in time. You’ll feel her presence whenever the family gets together for a summer BBQ at Roxi’s or a pool party at Uncle Rob’s house. You’ll know her at holiday gatherings in grandma’s house where you’ll feel the family spirit and the strong love we share. You’ll know her whenever anyone complains about the cold weather or cures a cough with ravano and miel de abeja. You’ll know her when grandma tells you not to walk around the house barefoot because that’s how you catch a cold. You’ll know her when life gets tough and you realize you’re stronger than you ever knew. Know that you shared a very special bond and know that she will always live in you.

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Sandra Nunez-Gomez lit a candle

Saturday, November 17, 2018

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Holly Wheeler-Sanchez lit a candle

Friday, November 16, 2018

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Holly Wheeler-Sanchez posted a condolence

Friday, November 16, 2018

Grandma Ramona was a very wonderful woman. She welcomed me to the family with open arms and was so very sweet. I will miss her so much. Sending sincere condolences and love to everyone in the family and all her friends.

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Hana Greene posted a condolence

Friday, November 16, 2018

I was so blessed and grateful to spend time with this wonderful woman. Although my Spanish is worse than her English (!) she never failed to make me laugh in a private exhange, with a raised eyebrow, and a mischievous grin in my direction. She greeted me each time as if I were a long-lost family member. Watching how much she enjoyed her large and loving family, and how they treasured and loved her in return, was a wonderful sight to see- a lesson in the power and love of a united family. I'll miss her terribly, but I'm comforted in the knowledge that she has been rewarded in heaven, with front row seat.

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The family of Ramona Y. De La Cruz uploaded a photo

Friday, November 16, 2018

Ramona Y. De La Cruz

1927 - 2018

Plant a tree in memory of Ramona