Maureen "Mo" Ramos

Longtime educator and activist Maureen Ramos passed away following a courageous battle with cancer on October 15, 2026.

Maureen Frances McMahon was born on December 11, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, to Edward and Clara McMahon. She had one sister, Kathleen (Kathy), who, along with their parents, preceded Maureen in death. Maureen was a devout Catholic whose unwavering faith and deep love for the Lord guided her throughout her life, bringing her comfort, strength, and peace. Her faith was reflected not only in her words but in the way she lived her life — with kindness, generosity, compassion, and a deep concern for the well-being of others.

Maureen grew up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and was a graduate of the Academy of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She attended Marylhurst College in Marylhurst, Oregon, where she earned her degree in education. She briefly taught in Portland before moving to Salt Lake City, Utah, where she continued to educate, inspire, and uplift students. In 1971, she moved to Spokane, where she continued her 45-year teaching career, first in the Catholic school system and later with Spokane Public Schools. Teaching was far more than a profession to Maureen; it was a calling rooted in her belief that every child deserved to be seen, encouraged, and given the opportunity to succeed. She understood that children needed more than lessons from a textbook — they needed patience, understanding, encouragement, and someone who believed in their potential. Maureen brought compassion and dedication into her classrooms, making a lasting difference in the lives of countless students. She recognized that every student was unique, and she was committed to helping each one discover their strengths and reach their full potential. While working in public schools, Maureen and her colleagues created the Tessera program for gifted students. She later collaborated with the former Spokane Public Schools superintendent to establish the Spokane Public Schools Foundation, whose mission is to empower educators by funding innovative, creative, and hands-on learning opportunities that fall outside standard district budgets. These efforts reflected Maureen’s enduring belief that students and teachers deserved the resources, encouragement, and opportunities necessary to thrive.

An inspiring leader and savvy political activist, Maureen served for several years as President of the Spokane Education Association, proudly leading its 3,400 members and co-leading successful levy campaigns with Spokane Public Schools administration. A determined advocate for students, teachers, and educational equity, she believed every child deserved the opportunity to succeed, and every person deserved dignity and respect. Her leadership was defined not only by her conviction and willingness to speak up for what was right, but also by her deep compassion and unwavering commitment to ensuring others were heard, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. Maureen also served on boards representing the Washington Education Association and the National Education Association, in addition to participating on numerous committees. Even in retirement, her commitment to education and the people she served never wavered. She continued organizing and participating in the WEA retirement board and the WEA Representative Assembly, remaining engaged in the causes she held so close to her heart. Retirement did not diminish her desire to help others; it simply gave her new opportunities to continue making a difference.

Maureen will be remembered not only for her professional accomplishments, teaching, advocacy, and leadership, but also for her generous heart, compassion, and unwavering support for others. To her family and friends, she was a source of love and strength, nurturing relationships and making those around her feel valued and cared for. Through her encouragement, wisdom, and kindness, she touched thousands of lives, inspiring others and helping bring meaningful change to education and the causes she championed. Her legacy lives on not only in the programs and institutions she helped establish, but also in the countless people who felt supported, strengthened, and inspired by knowing her.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph; her children, Brahane (Joshua), Sasha, Rodrick, and Micheal (Jordien); her grandchildren, Jamar, Quadree, Kaleel, Katie, Amani, Sedrick (Dallas), Alexander, and Christian; her great-grandchildren, Raelyn, Adaiah, Jordan, Tatum, Everett, Easton, and Cleo Marie; and her nieces, Christine, Carolyn, and Patty, along with many other brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

Maureen “Mo” Ramos lived a life defined by faith, love, service, and compassion. She gave so much of herself to her family, her students, her colleagues, and her community, leaving a legacy that cannot be measured by years of service or professional accomplishments alone. Her greatest legacy is found in the lives she touched, the people she encouraged, the children she helped believe in themselves, and the many individuals who felt cared for because she was part of their lives.Though her family, friends, and the many people who loved her will deeply feel her absence, the kindness she shared and the good she brought into the world will continue to live on. Maureen’s life was a testament to the power of a caring heart, a steadfast faith, and a lifelong commitment to serving others. She will be remembered with profound love, deep gratitude, and immeasurable respect, and she will be greatly missed.

Funeral services for Maureen will be held on November 6, 2026, at 11 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church located at 503 N. Walnut Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99206. A rosary will be held prior to the service at 10:30 AM. A celebration of life will follow in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cancer Care Northwest Foundation at CCNWF.org or to the Spokane Public Schools Foundation at http://spokaneschoolsfoundation.org.