Help Gloria Ramirez' Only Child with her Funeral Expenses

It’s incredibly difficult to write this, but with a heavy heart, I share that my mother, Gloria Ramirez, has passed away unexpectedly.

After two agonizing weeks of not hearing from her, the police helped me break down her apartment door. That’s when I found her. The grief and shock are still hard to put into words.

Gloria was not only my mother (and only family member here in New York City) — she was a light in the Lower East Side community. She was known for always giving what little she had to those in need. Whether it was food, a kind word, or simply her time, she touched so many lives. I’ve been deeply moved by the stories people have shared with me from the neighborhood and the church — reminders of how far her love reached.

I was Gloria’s only daughter and her sole family here in New York. Due to her long history of health challenges, I’ve also been her only caretaker. Now, I’m faced with the heartbreaking task of handling all of the arrangements and expenses on my own.

I am a full-time student just two weeks away from graduation from Hunter College, while also working part-time living paycheck to paycheck. I was not at all prepared for the emotional and financial weight of this moment. The estimated funeral, burial costs for our home in Lower East Side area, and related expenses are around $40,000 — a cost that’s impossible for me to carry alone, especially as I try to navigate grief, settle her affairs, clean out the apartment, and try my best to finish school.

This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to face, and any support — no matter the amount — would make a world of difference.

If you’re unable to give, I would be so grateful if you could share this with others who might be able to help. Thank you for holding me in your thoughts, for honoring my mother’s memory, and for helping me get through this painful time.

I appreciate it more than I can express.