My older sister, Wanda Ramirez, passed away unexpectedly on April 4, 2025, at the age of 60. This is to her.

Wanda, I was born just a year after you. Saying we were as close as a brother and sister could be is an understatement. Some of the memories I have of us are walking to school together, roughhousing in the yard with our dog Sparky, playing tricks on Mom and Pop (sometimes getting caught), and picking on our older brothers, Carlos and Ken. As we grew older, I watched you graduate, become an adult, find the love of your life, start a family, become a grandmother, and cry when those close to us died, especially Pop. Life is filled with happy days and sad days. Sadly, those days aren’t memories I share with you. They were just dreams I imagined for us.

Mom contracted Rubella when she was pregnant with you, and your body was given many challenges. Doctors didn’t believe you’d live long. But you did.

The only memories I do have of us is visiting and pushing you in your wheelchair around the grounds of Central Wisconsin Center, throughout the years. CWC is an unbelievable place with staff that loved and took care of you your whole life. I don’t know if you ever knew I was there, or who was behind you. But you are my sister.

Your body is now free from what was kept hidden. You can now see, hear, walk, talk, and do all the many other things you couldn’t while here physically. Give Pop, Uncle Louie, Aunt Gloria, and now Elli, a hug. They are missed, as are you.

Your little brother, Ricky
p.s. mom loves you and thinks of you every day.

Wanda,

The last time I saw you was the best time I ever had visiting you. After so many years of not being sure if I could communicate with you, I massaged the back of your neck, you raised your head and smiled and literally washed away all the frustrating times as a child that I felt as if I couldn't tell you how I felt about you. I have a photo and a video that captured the moment and each time I look at them it makes me smile.

I wish you peace. Say hi to Pop and Uncle Luis for us.

Love into eternity, Your brother, Kenny

Wanda,

I remember the long sunny drives to visit you, the CWC picnics, the quiet times we spent together as a family being with you. I remember your beautiful smile, black hair, how much you enjoyed ice cream, and the way you would move your head and smile when a breeze would pass by your face. My dear sister, you will be remembered, missed, and loved always.

Your brother, Carlos

Wanda is survived by her mom, Alba, brothers Carlos (Mary), Ken (Brenda), and Rick (Amy); niece Sophia and nephew Lorenzo. Below are thoughts of Wanda from those who knew her best at CWC.

Patrick, RN- Wanda had a very easygoing personality. One thing that would always bring a smile to her face was tomato juice, which was her favorite thing to drink. Tenzin, Nursing Assistant- Wanda was truly a breath of peace in our lives. Every day we got to see her, to be in her presence felt like a gift. She radiated calmness. Her quiet nature and gentle soul creating an atmosphere of serenity that we all cherish. She may have left this world, Wanda continues to live on in the peace and light she shared with us. Maria, Nursing Assistant- Wanda’s memory is a blessing that will never fade. Though Wanda is gone, her spirit will live on. You are gone but not forgotten. Goodbyes are not simple, goodbyes are not the end, simply mean I'll miss you until we meet again. Staff at CWC- To her family, we offer our deepest condolences. Please know that she touched our lives in the most gentle and profound ways. Wanda was not just quiet, she was comfort, she was warmth, and she was peace. Elli, Social Worker - I loved working with Wanda. I will miss her calm presence and pretty smile.

And she left her body and flew through the sky and we whispered “see you later” instead of goodbye. – Joanne Boyle

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
608-249-8257

Wanda Ramirez

1964 - 2025

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