Carmen L. Ramirez, 84, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at Swan Creek Retirement Home. Carmen, affectionately known to her parents, Emilio and Ofelia Lopez, as "Nena/Baby", was born on July 3, 1939 in Brownsville, Texas.

Nena was a handful, even when first approached at the tender age of 14 at her junior high basketball game by the love of her life, Victor Ramirez. After pleasantries, she invited him to see her again at the then upcoming Saturday dance, where her parents would attend with her as chaperones.

To our father's surprise, she had invited 4 other young men there too! One by one, Nena refused the 4 other young men's offers for a dance until Victor mustered up the courage and she rose to her feet and placed her hand into his to dance the dance that would last over 69 years, 64 of them married. She passed peacefully with Victor at her side, still holding her hand.

Mom fought a valiant fight against Alzheimer's and although she will be missed immensely, the pain is lessened, knowing she is no longer suffering.

Carmen's love of her faith, family, and work motivated her every day.

Carmen also did so much work in many areas, which could borderline sainthood. Carmen served communion, Mexican meals at funerals, cooked for festivals, and ran meeting for groups for over 55 years at SS. Peter & Paul Parish; many times, leading the way by planning and executing the plan from the front. Carmen was there at the very beginning with Victor to support the FLOG labor movement. Carmen ran PTAs for Birmingham Grade School and cooked for wrestling tournaments for Waite High School. Carmen took $1.50 worth of meat and made 25 neighborhood kids smile with a homemade flour tortilla burrito clenched in their little hands. In short, if you visited her house, you never left without a plate of food.

Carmen spent many years helping migrant worker assimilate to life in Northwest Ohio, never forgetting her roots. She worked for years at the National Bakery in the Old Hungarian Neighborhood, affectionately known as "Honky Town". She clothed the poor and fed the hungry with food she cooked at 5-star chef level in the neighborhood. Even when her family was tightening their belts, no one in her family dared to complain lol. Everyone knew when you walked into Carmen's yard it was going to be immaculately cared for, with flowers and plants in full bloom.

Nena is survived by her husband, Victor Ramirez; daughter, Hilda (Patrick); sons, Hector, Earl, Martin (Missy), Jerry (Michelle), Emilio (Sarah); grandchildren, Tiffany, Xavier, Marie, Dominic, Marissa, Austin, Aleah, Mario, Aubrey, Christian, Olivia, Larissa, Melinda, Alyse; and 4-great-grandchildren.

Nena is preceded in death by her parents, Emilio and Ofelia Lopez; and siblings, Justo Lopez, Consuelo Lopez Ramos, Carlota Lopez Carmona, Jorge Lopez, Cleotilde Lopez Curiel, Jesus Lopez, and Julio Lopez.

The family will receive friends at Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Rd., Friday, July 5, 2024, from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July, 6, 2024, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 738 S. St. Clair St. Toledo, Ohio 43609, where the family will greet friends beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.

Thank you to the many of you who have told us how our mom was like a mom to you, too. It will never get old to hear.