Obituary: Officer Beatrice Ramirez, 1971-2013

Officer Beatrice Ramirez. Photo courtesy of family

By Minter McHugh

The Guardsman

Beatrice Ramirez, a dedicated former City College police officer for over 20 years, died April 17 at the age of 42 after a lengthy battle with lupus and complications after suffering a stroke.

“It is with great sadness that I report to the campus community the passing of Officer Beatrice Ramirez. Officer Ramirez Star #31 passed away early yesterday morning in a local hospital following a valiant fight with a long-term illness,” City College Chief of Police Andre Barnes said after her death.

Born October 8, 1971, Ramirez began the student officer program at City College around 1990 under former City College Police Chief Gerald DeGirolamo said Rolando Garcia, current City College Downtown campus control agent and longtime friend of Beatrice.

After excelling in the student officer program, Beatrice was asked to become a lab aide under DeGirolamo.  Her dedication and professionalism was noticed, landing her a job as a campus control agent. A few years later she applied for and became a campus police officer, solidifying her presence at City College.

Interacting with people professionally and socially was a significant part of Beatrice’s day-to- day life, and she treated close friends as if they were family. She was known for her many selfless characteristics.

Officer Beatrice Ramirez, star #31 (left), engages in police training with SFPD in 1998. Photo courtesy of family

“She’d give you the shirt off her back, and the last dollar in her pocket,” said Garcia. She always acted on her desire to experience adventure and enjoy life. She loved to travel and root for the San Francisco Giants and 49ers.

Beatrice saw people come and go during her long tenure with the police department, making friends the entire time.

Joe Villagomez started at the academy with Beatrice in 1992 and worked with her until 1998. Villagomez left to serve in the military but the two always kept in touch as friends.

When Beatrice was admitted to a hospice in late March, Villagomez visited her from time to time, but when he went Easter Sunday he had bad news.

Ramirez’s nephew and godson Jacob Valdiviezo, a 19-year-old student athlete who lived in San Francisco’s Mission district, was shot and killed on March 30. Ramirez died 16 days after Valdiviezo’s death.

“She was in tears,” Villagomez said. “She was broken.”

Ramirez left behind three brothers and three sisters.  A wake was held at Duggan’s Funeral Service April 19 and a church service was held April 20, followed by Ramirez’s burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.