Helen Ramirez Herrera's Obituary
Helen Ramirez Herrera, better known as Elaine, passed away after a long & courageous battle with colon & liver cancer.
Elaine was born to parents Isabelo T. & Consuelo A. Ramirez on May 19, 1942. She grew up as the oldest of 6 children and lived most of her life in the Dallas area. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1960 and attended University of Texas at Arlington. At a young age, she began working at Ward’s Pharmacy then moved through various office jobs including Meletio Electric. After having their first child in the mid 70’s, Elaine became a dedicated housewife, until her husband Lawrence started his own plumbing business in the late 80’s. Elaine immediately supported him and helped to setup and ran every step of the way until the end. Lawrence always lovingly referred to her as the “REAL Boss”.
When she met her beloved husband Lawrence Herrera, she knew right then & there (despite his fashion choices) that she had found the one she wanted to be with for the rest of her life. In 1969, she married Lawrence in a triple wedding ceremony along with her younger brother & sister. These three couples had continued their tight-knit group throughout their 54 plus years of marriage. Whether it was taking road trips together, going out to eat, or conveniently ending up living within a mile of one another – the three couples had been an inseparable six-pack for almost 50 years.
Together, Lawrence & Elaine had a son and daughter, Lawrence Cristo & Siana Elaine who proudly followed in their footsteps with the family business. Elaine loved her children profoundly and doted upon them for all the days of her life.
Other than her family, Elaine had an expansive passion for jewelry. Gold, silver, diamonds, pearls, turquoise – you name it, she owned at least one piece of every jewel on the planet. If it was your birthday/Christmas/special occasion, you’d absolutely receive an exquisitely wrapped gift containing an entire package of tissue paper and, you guessed it – a piece of jewelry that reminded her of you. She loved jewelry and loved sharing it as well.
Family trips were numerous and filled with love & laughter. Elaine always played the gracious host no matter where she was, whether it was the beach with her Port Arthur family, Santa Fe, San Antonio or her preferred destination – Las Vegas. Slot machines were no match for Elaine – she knew when, where and how to play…her luck was limitless.
The truest representation of her capabilities as a hostess were her annual Christmas parties, which were truly legendary events. Somehow a rather small house in Garland would magically hold 60+ family members (and friends), each with a place setting & décor that would rival Buckingham Palace. No paper plates or plastic cups were allowed; she insisted on all crystal plates, silverware, a water glass, a champagne glass, a cloth napkin – she made the holidays extra special. Of course, the most prominent feature was the delicious food. For years upon years, she made ham, turkey, brisket, rice, beans, mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, yams, salad, and punch, all on her own. Guests would bring some items, but she never asked anything of anyone – just bring your hunger!
Anyone who ever stayed at the house, whether it be for a quick stopover or a full-blown hurricane…breakfast, lunch & dinner were provided without question. She was always the most gracious hostess no matter what the occasion.
Elaine was an amazing woman with an incredible sense of humor and was loved by everyone that knew her. Those related to her either by blood or marriage were especially touched by cherished memories. This has been exemplified in the outpouring of devotion & support that has been shown to the immediate family throughout the difficult battle she faced.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Abby & brother, Carl Ramirez. She is survived by her husband, Lawrence Herrera; son Cristo (wife Charlise), daughter Siana, brothers & sister Arthur Ramirez (wife Rebecca), Tony Ramirez (wife Renee), and Blanca Moore (husband Tony); her loving in-laws Susie, Ray, Irma, Norma & Connie Herrera. Elaine was only recently blessed with two granddaughters Wyatt & Maeve, whom she loved very deeply. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, godsons, and extended family enriched her entire life. Her fur-babies Spooky, Bones & Boo already miss curling up in bed with her.
She will leave behind a legacy of faith, family & food and will be dearly missed always & forever.
The Herrera family would like to give a special thanks to the entire team at Texas Oncology Plano, especially Dr. Korie L. Flippo, M.D. & Claudia Aguilar-Clancy, FNP-C, the staff of Baylor Scott & White Plano, and the staff of The T. Boone Pickens Faith Presbyterian Hospice. You ALL made this journey as straightforward, peaceful & comforting as it could possibly be.
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