Tributes

Candelaria G Ramirez, better known as “Bigmom”, age 92, went to be with the Lord on February 12, 2026, in San Antonio, TX. Candelaria Berlanga Gomez was born on Feb 2, 1934, to Herculano & Guadalupe B Gomez at the La Parrita Rancho in Pleasanton, TX. Shortly after her birth, she moved with her family to Morales Street on the west side of San Antonio and attended John B Hood Elementary. At the age of 7, she moved to Robstown, TX, where she worked both in the fields picking cotton and radishes as well as at a restaurant that her mother ran. In 1951, at the age of 17, she would give birth to her first daughter and move back to the East side of San Antonio on “G” Street, where she would spend most of her life. That year, she would also meet her husband, Bruno “Daddy-Pop” Ramirez. Together, they would go on to have 6 children of their own. From 1956 to 1979, the family would work as migrant workers, traveling from San Antonio to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, and West Texas. In between those years, she became a grandma in 1970. From this moment forward, she would stand as the image known to many of us as “Bigmom!” Bigmom was the caretaker to not only her grandchildren, but also her parents, in-laws, and countless others who were ever in need. It was not an uncommon sight to have 4 or more children at her home on “G” Street at any given time, as well as a multitude more packed in together during the holidays. There was always a pleasant aroma of some type of homemade food to enjoy. Whether it be a fresh pot of beans, flour tortillas, menudo, or tamales to welcome all. After living on “G” street for the majority of her life, Bigmom would later move in with family to help care for her, as she did for others. She was blessed with a caring and gracious family who would continue to provide a comfortable home for her to stay in, first at her own home, then with her brother Joey, and finally at her granddaughter’s home. She spent her last years in the same manner as she lived her life; consistently surrounded by family she loved and who loved her. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bruno Ramirez, her daughter Angie, her daughter-in-law Carolyn, her parents, three brothers, three sisters, grandchildren Stephanie and Joshua, and great-grandchild Stephanie. She is survived by her sister Vicky, her children Janie, Fred, Rick, Bruno, Jose, Fina, and spouses; nineteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. “Though her warm hugs, smiling face, and delicious food will be missed, her hospitality, her thoughtfulness, and her love will forever be within us.”

Tributes

Candelaria G. Ramirez

February 8, 1934 - February 12, 2026