Celeste Ramirez

Celeste Ramirez, 47, of Voorhees, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on July 25, 2025, after a courageous four-year battle with breast cancer. Celeste is survived by her beloved mother, Dalinda Ramirez; her devoted partner, Jeffrey Hay; her cherished siblings, Linda Martini and Diego Ramirez; and her two adored sons, Lucas Hay (age 12) and Noah Hay (age 10). She was predeceased by her brother Andres Ramirez.

Raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Celeste demonstrated strength and resilience from a young age. At just 12, she miraculously survived a life-threatening case of hepatitis—an early glimpse of the fierce determination that would come to define her life. At age 13, what began as a vacation to the United States with her brother, Andres Ramirez, became a permanent move.  Celeste embraced a new language and culture with courage and purpose, setting out to pursue the American dream. Celeste later enrolled at Rutgers University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Master’s degree in Social Work.

By the age of 23, Celeste assumed the responsibility of raising her younger siblings, then aged 16 and 11, proof of her deep compassion, determination, and sense of duty.  At 27, she became a homeowner—another milestone reached through her persistence and hard work. At 33, she met the love of her life, Jeffrey Hay, and together they built a family grounded in love, respect, and kindness. Their sons, Lucas and Noah, are a living reflection of her strength, warmth, and spirit. Celeste’s true calling was to serve others. She dedicated herself fully to social work, tirelessly supporting families in need, offering guidance, hope, and a helping hand. More than a professional, she was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to countless individuals. Her empathy, strength, and boundless selflessness left a lasting impact on countless lives.

Despite her illness, Celeste continued to pursue her passions. She founded her own business, Language Solutions, offering translation and interpretation services to help bridge communities—a true reflection of her dedication to uplifting others and serving underserved populations.

Even while undergoing treatment, Celeste also co-founded a government-funded nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting immigrant women who had experienced domestic violence. Through this work, she helped survivors access essential resources, including immigration assistance, work permits, and healthcare. Her efforts created pathways to safety and independence for many women, leaving behind a legacy of empowerment, justice, and compassion.

One of her favorite quotes, from Scarface, perfectly captures her spirit:
“Who put this thing together? Me, that’s who!”

It reflected the fierce pride she took in building her life—and legacy—from the ground up, for her family and her community. Celeste will be remembered as a fighter, a pioneer, and above all, a loving soul whose impact will be felt for generations. Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the many friends, relatives, doctors, and nurses who supported Celeste during her cancer journey. Your compassion and generosity truly astonished her.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewings on Wednesday evening, July 30th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and Thursday morning July 31st from 11:00am to 12:00-Noon.  A funeral service will be celebrated 8:00pm Wednesday evening in the funeral home.  Interment on Thursday at Park View Cemetery at Kirby’s Mill, Medford, NJ. In place of loving Celeste, we will honor her legacy by loving and caring for Lucas and Noah, ensuring that her light continues to shine through them. In lieu of flowers, donations to support Lucas and Noah Hay may be made via GoFundMe.https://gofund.me/c9845f47