This obituary was originally published on Rogers & Breece Funeral Home.
Awilda Ramirez Macaltao, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away on July 18, 2024, in Fayetteville, NC, at the age of 79. She was born on April 27, 1945, in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, to Sebastian Ramirez and Amada (Centeno) Ramirez.
Awilda found joy in being a homemaker and dedicated herself to her role as a wife and mother. She cherished her family and took pride in her role as a grandmother. Awilda’s favorite hobbies included dancing and tending to her flower beds, which brought her great delight.
A woman of deep faith, Awilda was an active member of Iglesia Northwood in Fayetteville, NC. She served as a Sunday school teacher and found fulfillment in sharing her love for the Lord. Awilda also worked as a preschool teacher for a couple of years, leaving a positive impact on the lives of young children.
In her free time, Awilda enjoyed reading her Bible, finding solace, strength and encouragement in its words, and listening to worship music. She had a special bond with her mini golden doodle, Cuto, who brought her comfort and companionship.
Awilda was a proud graduate of Waller High School, Class of 1964, in Chicago, IL. Throughout her life, she treasured her family and held dear the memories she shared with them.
Awilda was preceded in death by her parents, Sebastian and Amada Ramirez; Her brother, Frederico Ramirez and brother-n-law, Adolfo Pagan. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Arturo Pagan Macaltao, and their children: Arturo Ramirez Macaltao and his wife Evadne Macaltao of Wake Forest, NC; Alberto Sebastian Macaltao of Chicago, IL; and Lizanne Macaltao Harris and her husband W. Keith Harris of Virginia Beach, VA.
She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Wilamina Ramirez Harris, Lola Rose Harris, and Winston Arturo Harris, who brought immense joy to her life. Awilda also leaves behind her siblings: her brother, Roberto Ramirez and his wife, Iris Ramirez of Arecibo, Puerto Rico; her brother, Sebastian Ramirez and his wife Maria Ramirez of Chicago, Il; her sister, Maria Ramirez Pagan of Elizabethtown, KY; her sister-in-law, Gina Ramirez of Arecibo, Puerto Rico; and her longtime friend and sister in Christ, Aida Santini.
Awilda will be remembered as a mighty woman of God, a humble servant, a prayer warrior, a loyal friend, and a loving family member. Her legacy of love, faith, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew her.
A celebration of Awilda’s life and legacy will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 6pm at Rogers and Breece Funeral Home, located at 500 Ramsey Street in Fayetteville, NC. The family will receive friends prior the service from 5 to 5:45pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Awilda’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org.