Ramona Peña Caro

It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt love that we announce the passing of our beloved Mamá, Ramona Peña Caro, who gracefully entered into heaven on May 20, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in the Dominican Republic to Martin Peña Savana and Carmen Celeste “Cusa” Caro de Peña, Ramona was one of nine Peña siblings. From an early age, she embodied strength, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose.

She was a devoted teacher who dedicated her early years to shaping young minds with patience, joy, and countless math problems. After immigrating to the United States, she continued her care for children by opening a family day care in her home—a place filled with warmth, learning, and unconditional love. She built a beautiful life in New York City raising her daughters and just blocks or a short distance away from some of her sisters, keeping the bond between the Peña sisters strong and ever-present.

A proud Dominican woman, her heart beat to the rhythm of merengue and boleros, and her home overflowed with laughter, prayer, and the aroma of Café Bustelo and toasted bread rolls drizzled with olive oil and salt. She had deep faith in God, believed in the healing power of Vicks, and her lucky lottery numbers—especially 0831, which she played with a sparkle in her eye and unwavering belief. 

Ramona is survived by her loving daughters, Dennys and Evelyn, who carry forward her strength and grace; her beloved granddaughters: Leiby and Joanne (children of her late daughter Mayra Jeanette), and Jenice (daughter of Dennys); and Jaslyn, Jessalyn, and Jailyn (daughters of Evelyn).

She was also the proud great-grandmother of Leslie, Angel, Gabriel, Merelyn, Bryan, Amanda, Jon Mykal, Leila, and Nicholas, and the cherished great-great-grandmother of Liam Ramon.

She leaves behind her devoted living sisters Mercedes and Clara, and her nieces, nephews, and a very large extended family—both by blood and by bond—whose lives were forever touched by her warmth, humor, and unwavering faith.

Ramona entered heaven and joined her beloved daughter Mayra Jeanette (predeceased October 2024); her beloved mother Cusa; her father Martin; her sisters Tatica, Alba, and Dircia; her brothers Niño, Eligio and Diojones; and many other relatives and friends—reunited in love and resting in eternal peace.

Ramona’s final resting place will be in her home country of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo.

“Like a sunflower follows the sun, she followed the light of God—steadfast, radiant, and full of grace. And now, she blooms forever in His eternal garden.”