Idalia Ramirez

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Idalia Ramirez, a cherished mother, mother-in- law, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was born on March 19, 1947, and left us on June 7, 2025. She was a beacon of true kindness and wit, making every encounter with her a pleasure and a gift.

We respectfully request that no one arrive at the funeral home prior to the posted visitation times, so as not to intrude on the family’s private time. 

Family and friends are invited to the visitation in the Kowalski Funeral Home, 515 Roselle Street, Linden on Friday June 13th from 9:00AM-12:00PM. Following the visitation will be a procession to Idalia’s burial in the family plot in Rosedale Cemetery in Linden, New Jersey at approximately 12:45PM.

Idalia was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico to parents Jose and Irma Luz (Ayala) Ortega, where she spent her early years. Idalia helped raise her sisters and grew up with a great value of family importance. In the late 1970’s, she moved to Jersey City, N.J. to build a life for herself and her own family. In addition to being a full-time mother, she held various odd jobs through the years to provide for her children. She was truly an independent woman, and as the years went by, took on the roles of both mother and father raising her sons.

Idalia was truly a unique woman, and was extremely active in her son’s lives. She was involved in sports, like baseball, and took her sons everywhere. Coney Island was a summer destination amongst others, and she always managed to find a way, even though she didn’t have a car. She instilled the values of religion and education in her children by going to church every weekend, and making sure they were reading books frequently. Idalia herself loved to read, especially her “cowboy books,” and taught herself English with mostly reading and taking some classes. Although Idalia had a “tough love” approach, family meant everything to her.

Idalia's love was reflected not only in her relationships but also in her joys and hobbies. She loved sewing, dancing to Salsa music, enjoyed all types of music, and playing Bingo. She also cherished time spent with her beloved late dog “Chassy”, her constant companion and source of endless amusement before he passed on 5/21/2019. Idalia's favorite reminiscent of creamy and soothing Vanilla Ice Cream, perfectly embodied her gentle and warm personality.
An ardent food lover, Idalia's cherished delights were pizza and an ice-cold soda, simple pleasures that brought joy to her life. Her love for these mirrored her ability to find joy in the simplest things life had to offer.

Idalia is survived by her sons Edwin, Jorge, Carlos and Alex who were among her greatest accomplishments in life. Her love for them was boundless and profound. She instilled in them the values of kindness and compassion, alongside her sons are 3 daughter-in-law's, 7 sisters, 15 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She brightly illuminated their lives in countless ways, a legacy that will continue to live on.

Although Idalia is no longer with us, her light shines bright through the ones she loved, and she will never be forgotten.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Idalia Ramirez, please visit our floral store.