It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ramona Ponce, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who left us on March 8, 2025, at the age of 77. Born on December 18, 1947, Ramona lived a life rich in love, strength, and dedication to her family and community.
Ramona was a woman of incredible warmth, compassion, and resilience. Throughout her life, she touched the hearts of many with her kindness and generosity. As a wife, she was cherished by her husband, Jose Ponce, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and companionship. As a mother, she was a guiding light to her six children: Victoria Ortiz, Carmen D. Ponce, Maria I. Ponce, Jose D. Ponce Jr., Andres Ponce, Moises Ponce, and Edwin Ponce. Her love and devotion to her children were unwavering, and she leaves behind a profound legacy in each of them.
Over the years, Ramona’s family grew, and she embraced the role of a proud grandmother to her many grandchildren: Jazmina Ponce, Jose D. Ponce III, Joshua Ovius, Carlos Johnson, Talisha Johnson, Nadisha Johnson, David O. Ponce, ItsMariz Ponce, Edwin Ponce Jr., Eddie Ponce, Moises Ponce, Nehemias Ponce, Genesis Ponce, Cha Cha, Mariam Ponce, Safarah Ponce, Zael Ponce, Dariel Ponce, and her great-grandchildren, Augelina and Cadence.
Ramona was also a cherished sister, survived by her brothers Edwin Melendez and Jose Melendez, and her sisters Carmen, Lola, and Chana. She shared a deep bond with her siblings, and together, they created a lifetime of memories.
In addition to her immediate family, Ramona is remembered with love and affection by her many nieces, nephews, and extended family, including Deborah, Antonio, Marco, Wilfredo, Ismael, Ramon, Samuel, Rafael, Jessica, Sylvia, and Carmen. She is also survived by her sons-in-law Carlos Johnson and Troy, her daughters-in-law Wanda Ponce and Luz N. Ponce, and her brother-in-law Moises Ponce.
Ramona’s presence in the lives of those who knew her was a true blessing. Her unwavering love for her family, her infectious smile, and her gentle spirit will be deeply missed. She was a constant source of strength, love, and wisdom, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
The family extends special thanks to Raphello Harris, Aron and Jenny Moore, Eric Ruiz and Family, Rosa Inniss, Milagros Pinero, and Virginia Encarnacion for their love and support.
The first viewing will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Divine Funeral Services Chapel from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A celebration of Ramona’s life will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, with a viewing at 9:00 a.m. and service at 10:00 a.m. at Iglesia de Zion. Her family invites all who knew her to join in honoring her legacy and celebrating the beautiful life she lived.
Rest in peace, Ramona. You will be forever loved and never forgotten.
