Florita Ramon Tijerina went home to be with Jesus on August 29, 2017, with family at her side at her home.  She was born on February 3, 1942 in Laredo where she lived most of her life. She is a proud class of 1960 Martin High graduate.

During her battle with cancer, she could be heard telling her doctors that she had to get better because she needed to get back to her work. She loved the Lord and lived to help others.  She was a dedicated substance abuse counselor and spent her life teaching others to battle addiction.  The Texas State House of Representatives awarded her for her work.  This truly was her life’s calling as is evidenced by her service to others in different settings.

She worked helping others in many settings including but not limited to:  Bureau of Federal Prisons Transitional Drug Abuse Treatment Program at Dismus Halfway House in Laredo, Texas; The Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans where she provided group and family counseling for inmates in transition to the community; South Texas Rural Clinic, Cotulla, Pearsall, and Dilley providing services to at risk students; South Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse New Vision Program at Laredo Medical Center. In San Antonio, Texas, she served as a counselor at Alpha Home (residential counselor); Center for Health Care Services; LCDC Associates; The Patrician Movement; George Gervin Youth Center and Alternative School; Wackenhut Corporation.

Additionally, she worked as a chemical dependency counselor at New Vision Chemical Dependency Treatment Facility in Kyle, Texas where she worked group and individual counseling as well as crisis intervention to inmates helping with their transition prior to their discharge to a halfway house.

She also served as a counselor intern at SCAN Inc, Webb County Court Ordered Residential Restitution Treatment Center, Inhalant Abuse Residential Program at Laredo State Center, La Familia Residential Treatment Facility, as well as working at the DEAR Unit at Laredo State Center (inpatient detoxification MHMR).  She was active in community service, and is a past member of the Domestic Violence Coalition and past chairperson for the Battered Women’s Shelter.

Florita always had a strong drive to help others and this showed in her work, in her friendships, and in her strong love and dedication to her family. She always left a place better than she found it and was able to establish strong friendships along the way.  She adored her only grandchild, Gabriela Belen Tijerina, an accomplished artist. She loved life and was a true “people person,” as she loved sharing time with others.

Florita grew up in the Catholic Church and in youth was a member of Teresitas, Catholic Youth Organization, and the San Luis Rey Choir. She loved to sing during Sunday Mass and was also a member of the Laredo Philharmonic Choir.  She helped Women’s City Club on community service events.  Her interests were extensive. She enjoyed sewing and baking treats for family and friends. She traveled extensively in her life taking lessons in art and also training with chefs in Europe.  In later years, she enjoyed Alaska cruises with her family. She loved music, singing, and dancing. She truly was a reflection of “live every moment; laugh every day; and love beyond words.” Only God knows how many lives she changed by her dedicated caring ways.  Counselors who have worked with her recently commented that she was a great mentor.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George Ramon III and Maria Josefina “Josie” Ramon, by her dearest Aunt, Maria De La Luz Ramon, her Uncle Leopoldo Ramon, and cousin Leopoldo Ramon Jr.  She is survived by her sons, Fernando and Julian (Raquel) Tijerina, and her beloved granddaughter Gabriela. Her sisters, Reina (Frank) Sarabia and GeorgeAnne (David) Reuthinger survive her as well as her beloved nephew David (Anita) Reuthinger Jr. with whom she spent much time.

She is also survived by her nephew Frank (Celinda) Sarabia of Laredo, and nieces who live out of town: Maria Elena Shield, of Austin, Pat (Charles) Metcalf of Houston, and Sara (Mike) Kachoris of Kyle. Also surviving her are her wonderful cousins Luciano (Alicia) Ramon, Sylvia Merryman, and Hermila Gonzalez.  Her long time companion, Sir Jeffery, a precious very important blue Persian cat, also survives her. She looked forward to holidays spent with her family, “making good memories together.”  She will be missed so very much, because as she loved others, so is she loved.

The family received guests Thursday, August 31, 2017, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.  A holy rosary was recited at 7:30 pm.  Funeral services were Friday, September 1, 2017, at San Martin de Porres Catholic Church.  Funeral mass was celebrated at 9:30 am.  Committal service immediately followed to the Laredo City Cemetery.

The family wants to extend special thanks to:  Doctor Miranda, for his amazing care;

Angelica his special oncology treatment nurse; and to Vicki Gonzalez from Nurses on Wheels.   We extend special thanks to Anita, Esperanza, and Esther Rios, RN caregivers to Ms. Tijerina.

Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr, Laredo, TX. 78041. (956)723-3611. You may leave condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com