Ramona Bridgen

Ramona Carmelita Bridgen went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus on September 5, 2018. Heaven celebrated her arrival with a huge welcoming party! Ramona is now reunited with her dearest husband Howard J. Bridgen for eternity along with a multitude of cherished loved-ones who had gone to Glory before her.

Ramona was born in Hampden, Massachusetts on June 1, 1943 and born to Arthur and Callie Pepin. She lived most of her younger years in the Salinas Valley. Growing up she helped cook, clean, bake and serve customers at several family owned restaurants in the Monterey Bay Peninsula. After graduating from Salinas High School in 1961, she lived in the beautiful coastal town of Aptos in Santa Cruz county where she lived a truly blessed, impactful and fulfilling life. After raising her children, she attended Cabrillo College where she earned her Early Childhood Education (ECE) Associates Degree, further developing her career in teaching.

Ramona devoted her entire life sacrificially supporting and loving her entire family; devoting her time and resources to serving anyone she came across in need; passionately volunteering in her community and at Twin Lakes Church; and vocationally for more than 20 years she worked as an Independent Living Skills (I.L.S.) Instructor-Coach teaching life-skills to individuals with disabilities so they could thrive and live independently.

Ramona was a person of seemingly infinite talents and abilities. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. She loved to play the piano and sing with all her heart. Even more so, she loved teaching her children and grandchildren how to play piano and how to experience the joys of music. Ramona was a gifted baker and she always enjoyed making freshly baked pies inspired by her mother Callie in her youth; and she never missed the opportunity to teach her children, grandchildren and others how to cook and bake pies. As her family and friends attest, she always knew how to throw a party or family gathering, cooking up a storm and displaying feasts of wonderful food and baked treats.

Ramona was a humble servant and leader enriching the lives of everyone she encountered. She left her finger prints on the hearts and lives of countless people, not always realizing she was doing so. In all her pursuits, she strived to serve and honor the Lord with her time, talents, and resources. She was incredibly generous and always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. She leaves a legacy of love, hope, memories and most importantly her genuine Christian Faith is a shining example that will eternally impact her family for generations to come. Upon receiving a thoughtful card or letter from Ramona, she would have likely encouraged you with one of her favorite scriptures such as Romans 8:28, Proverbs 3: 5-6, and Psalm 95.

Ramona Carmelita Bridgen is immediately survived by her daughter Kimberly Burquez-Harris, her son Gavin Thames; her daughter in-laws Rindie Thames and Donna Hopkins; her sisters Semone Pedronceli and Leilani Pepin; grandchildren Michael Burquez, Jonathan Burquez, Justin Thames, Brandon Thames and Julianne Harris; nine great grandchildren and many other nieces, nephews and extended family members.

On Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 11:00am a Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos, CA. located at 2701 Cabrillo College Dr. Aptos, CA 95003.