Maria Guadalupe Ramirez

Maria Guadalupe (Torres) Ramirez was born October 29, 1936 in Ocotlan (La Tuna), Jalisco, Mexico to Julian and Lidia (Ramirez) Torres. Maria, known to family and friends as Lupe, was the eldest of nine siblings Antonio, Martha, Maria Elena, Emma, Emma Maria, Francisco, Jose Luis, George and Julio Jr. Being the first born, Lupe was dedicated in helping her parents at home and in the fields of land owned by her father. The family relocated in the 1950’s to the United States due to flooding of the family’s land. The Torres children attended public school while Lupe cared for the family, home and held a secular job outside of the home. While employed, Lupe met Salvador Ramirez the eldest of 16 plus siblings in 1964. The two united in marriage, lived in Depue, Illinois, had three children and relocated back to Chicago in the 1970’s. The family purchased a home on the southeast side of Chicago and lived there approximately 23 years followed by Crete, for 4 years and finally her last 15 years in South Chicago Heights. During their 23 years in Chicago, Lupe studied the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses, dedicated her life to Jehovah, and symbolized her dedication through water baptism in 1973, becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her love of sharing the good news through the preaching work led her to become an Auxiliary Pioneer in 1983 and later a Regular Pioneer, preaching for many years 60-90 hours per month while raising three children alongside her husband. Lupe opened her home to her family and friends within and outside of her faith. Groups of 20-30 would congregate at their home for Bible book study. Lupe always extended her home and hospitality to all who entered and provided housing to Circuit and District Overseers along with visiting Pioneers from other parts of the States and South America. Lupe was a stay at home mom who was also self-employed creating flower arrangements for bridal parties and events. Her earnings were used for public transportation to visit others providing Bible studies and sharing some of those earning with her family providing treats like pizza and chicken when feasible to her children on the weekends. Lupe was also a great cook and always had a meal to share with others. Lupe was the first up and the last to go to bed. She was known to have a spotless home while caring for family and being self-employed. Although Lupe did not finish school, she learned to read and do math. Lupe became a US citizen along with her husband Salvador in the late 80’s. Devoted to her faith, Lupe was known to plant the seed of her faith to many. Lupe was proud of her faith and showed no fear in sharing it with conviction and always with respect. She helped others start their path to a happier Bible-based life style starting with her family through her example and encouragement. Maria Guadalupe “Lupita”, 82, lost her struggle with Alzheimer starting with Dementia some 18 years ago and fell asleep in death on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at 4:45 p.m. in her home. She is preceded in death by two siblings Antonio and Emma. Maria Guadalupe “Lupita” leaves to cherish her loving memories, her husband Salvador; three children Joseph (Rosario), Carlos (Rosa) and Ruth (Jose Luis) Mercado; her three grandchildren whom she adored, Carlos Humberto Jr., Meagan (Ramirez) Cruz, and Gerardo Salvador; four great grandchildren; seven siblings Martha, Maria Elena, Emma Maria, Francisco, Jose Luis, George and Julio Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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Maria Guadalupe Ramirez

October 29, 1936 - January 1, 2019