Adelaide "Nana Idi" T. Ramirez

In Loving Memory

It is with profound love that we remember Adelaide T. Ramirez. A loving Wife, devoted Mother, cherished Grandmother “Nana Idi”, and dear friend whose life was filled with love, courage, beauty, and strength.

Her life was one of extraordinary courage. At only 14 years old, she faced a difficult battle with tuberculosis, spending more than a year in the hospital. For a young girl, it was an unimaginable amount of time and a tremendous challenge. Yet she endured and came through it being one of the first to be cured. Through those struggles came a strength that would become a defining part of her character, and she transferred that determination into the pursuit of her High School Diploma, eventually going on to not only graduate but to learn three languages: English, Spanish and French.

During her senior year of high school, that gift took center stage when she was chosen to be the soloist for “The Masque of the Yellow Moon,” representing Phoenix Union High School. The production was a grand—much like a Super Bowl halftime show, only without the football game—and she proudly stood before the crowd to perform. Music was one of the many ways she expressed the joy and emotion she carried within her, and those fortunate enough to hear her sing will always remember the beauty of her voice.

At just 21 years old, she married the love of her life Pete Ramirez. Their marriage became the foundation of a lifetime filled with love, memories, challenges, laughter, and family. She was not only a devoted wife but also a loving mother who cherished her children deeply. Together they shared 3 sons (Peter, David & Stephen) and 1 daughter (Linda), all while she maintained her career working for The Arizona Department of Economic Security until retirement.

Years later, she faced another formidable challenge when she was diagnosed with breast cancer—not once, but twice. She fought through both battles and became a two-time breast cancer survivor. Her journey was a testament to her resilience, determination, and incredible will to live. She knew hardship, but she also knew how to fight, how to persevere, and how to keep going with a smile on her face.

Nana Idi had a wonderful appreciation for the simple joys of life. She loved flowers and gardening, finding happiness in planting, tending, and watching beautiful things grow in her yard. Her love of flowers seemed to reflect something about her own spirit—she brought beauty wherever she was.

Anyone who was fortunate enough to know her came to soon realize she had an exceptionally sharp memory. She could remember details, stories, people, and moments with an ability that often amazed those around her. The memories she carried throughout her life were treasures, and now the memories others carry of her will become treasures of their own.

Throughout her life she continued to keep singing at center stage. She shared her voice singing at Church, for major political campaigns, on the Radio and always lovingly for her grandchildren right up through her later years.

Her family and her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She was a loving and caring Grandmother and loved by her family. She never missed a birthday card with her special angel stamp or missed an opportunity to make someone feel special. The running thread here is that she cared for anyone and everyone. She was kind and generous with her conversation, always happy to chat with friends/family or even offer her prayers for those in need. She was dedicated to her faith as a Catholic and would read her rosary every night and contribute to her Church often.

We will remember her laughter, her voice, her strength, her tenderness, and all the little things that made her uniquely herself. She lived a life of love and resilience. She faced more than her share of battles, but she also experienced the beautiful gifts of marriage, motherhood, family, music, friendship, and the simple joys that make a life meaningful.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

May she rest peacefully, surrounded by the love she gave so freely throughout her life.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Pete Ramirez and sons, Stephen and David. Her parents, Cesario and Luz Torres, siblings: Amelia, Arthur, Cecila, and Tommy.

Adelaide is survived by her daughter Linda Santa Cruz, son Peter Ramirez and sisters, Dora Cadriel (Raul), and Norma Bennett (Frank), 12 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 a Visitation will be held from 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM with Rosary Prayers recited at 9:00 AM and the Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 9:30 AM at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Basilica, 231 North Third Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85004. Burial to follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.