Cornelia "Connie" Corpuz Ramos' Obituary
Cornelia Corpuz Ramos Obituary
Cornelia “Connie” Corpuz Ramos, age 91, died peacefully on January 1, 2016 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The second of nine children, Connie was born September 16, 1924 in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, the daughter of Anastacio Corpuz and Hermana Fermin.
Connie thoroughly enjoyed gardening spending hours on end tending to her plant and vegetable garden consisting of many Filipino varieties which she diligently picked, packaged, and sold to friends and family throughout the neighborhood and at her church. In her earlier years living in Waipahu, Hawaii, she was proud to have one the most impeccably‐manicured lawn in her neighborhood. Everyone was amazed by her strength and her ability to carry heavy crates even as she approached her 89th birthday.
In 1943, Connie married the love of her life, Arsenio “Archie” Miguel Ramos. Three years later in 1946, he left the Philippines as part of the 2nd wave of Sakadas to work the sugar and pineapple plantations in Hawaii. He left behind Connie, a three‐year‐old son, and a two‐year‐old daughter. Archie would go back to visit Connie every so many years conceiving two additional beautiful daughters who were four years apart. Connie raised four children single‐handedly with the assistance of Archie’s beloved parents and sisters. Connie provided the best opportunities and education to her children sending them to be schooled in Laoag City where Connie’s brother and sister‐in‐law lived.
In 1959, Archie and Connie’s son arrived in Hawaii, followed by their oldest daughter, in early 1962. By the end of 1962, Archie succeeded in reuniting his whole family with the arrival of Connie and their two youngest daughters. By the end of 1963, Archie and Connie were blessed with the arrival of another daughter.
Connie was an avid supporter and devoted member of her parish, Saint Philomena Church in Salt Lake, Honolulu. She attended daily services for many years and supported their fundraising efforts by devoting countless hours selling vegetables after mass. She was an active member of the Bereavement Committee and helped in the preparation of funeral and mass services. She drove to church up until the last few months before her 91st birthday.
Connie is survived by son John (Diane) Ramos of Honolulu, Hawaii; daughters Alma “Terie” Toledo of Honolulu, Hawaii, Linda (John) Holder of North Bethesda, Maryland, Jane (Craig) Niimoto of Mililani, Hawaii, and Germaine “Geri” (Shannon) Greene of Hauula, Hawaii; 19 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 4 great‐great grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Saint Philomena Church starting at 9:00-10:00 am for public viewing followed by a program and mass service; burial will take place at 1 pm at Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery.
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