Mrs. Ramona Melendez

OBITUARY Ramona Melendez Beloved Wife, Mother, and Grandmother On Sunday, June 17, 2018, Ramona Melendez passed peacefully at Kent Hospital, surrounded by her three children. She was the beloved wife of Francisco Melendez for 43 years, who passed in 2014. Ramona, or Ramonita, as many called her, was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico on January 18, 1951 to Maria Martinez and Ramon Santos. The oldest of twelve children, she was like a second mother to many of her siblings. At an early age, she moved to Paterson, NJ with her family, where she was a constant help to her mother and exceled in school. She graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1969 and went on to receive her Associate’s Degree from Tom Brock College in Paterson. Ramona met the love of her life, Frank, in Jersey City, NJ and the two married on August 15, 1970. They moved to Lowell, MA when Frank was called to serve as pastor of the Spanish Church of the Nazarene. It was here that they started their family, with children Kristy, Jarred, and Ariana, eventually settling in Dracut. Ramona worked for C.E.T.A. in Lowell in the early 80’s, and then went to work for the Welfare Department for several years, forming some cherished friendships. She then went on to work for the Lowell Public Schools in the Title I Department, until she retired in the late 90’s after working as a parent liaison at the Bailey and McAvinnue Schools. It was a job she enjoyed so much, as she loved working with students and their families. To know Ramona was to love her. Her infectious laugh, kind and generous spirit, and gentle soul were a comfort to all who knew her. She always opened her home to those in need and made all who entered feel welcomed and loved. She shared that love in many ways, whether it was a delicious home cooked meal of rice and beans, a cook out by the pool, an invitation to join her on a shopping trip, a listening ear, or a warm hug. Ramona’s zest for life was evident in the way she sang and played her tambourine at Sunday morning worship services. She enjoyed shopping, going away on weekend trips, hosting dinner parties, walking the boulevard with her late husband, and spending time with her family and friends. As a mother, her children were the center of her world. She supported and encouraged her children’s endeavors and was a source of constant wisdom. Ramona truly came alive as a grandmother. She embraced her role as “Grammy”. To watch her reading a book, rocking one of them to sleep, having late night chats, or playing a game with them was a wonder. She made many special and lasting memories with her grandchildren. Ramona’s greatest legacy is the love she shared with her husband of 43 years, Frank. She was the epitome of a devoted and doting wife. They were each other’s best friends, greatest supporters, and true soul mates. Their life together was a testament to the unwavering faith, dedication, and commitment that each had for the other. Ramona is survived and will be deeply missed by her three children and five grandchildren; daughter Kristy Paolillo and her husband Randy of Lowell, son Jarred Melendez of Sudbury, and daughter Ariana Melendez and her partner Bianca Bucco of North Providence, RI; granddaughters Gabriella, Olivia, and Isabella Meuse and grandsons Travis Knight and Michael Paolillo; sisters Maria Sparks and her husband John of Rockwall, TX, Migdalia Cardona of Nashua, NH, Yolanda Rodriguez of Lowell, Jacqueline Ojeda and her husband Angel of Orlando, FL, Yvette Nina and her husband Alex of Lowell, and Marilyn Santos of Lowell; brother Juan Santos and his wife Wanda of Orlando, FL; also several beloved nieces and nephews. FUNERAL NOTICE MELENDEZ—June 17, 2018 at Kent Hospital, Ramona (Santos) Melendez, 67, the beloved wife of the late Francisco “Frank” Melendez. Family and friends may call at the FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE STREET, LOWELL, on SATURDAY MORNING from 9 until 10:30 AM. Ramona’s Funeral Service will take place at 11 AM at CHRIST CHURCH UNITED, 10 Arlington St. Dracut. All are welcome to attend. Burial will follow in the Lowell Cemetery, 77 Knapp Ave. Lowell. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS 978-459-9222 www.faymccabe.com

Mrs. Ramona Melendez

January 18, 1951 - June 17, 2018