Ritchie Ann Ong

Ritchie Ann Ong Ritchie Ann Ong passed away unexpectedly at Dominican Hospital on February 26, 2011 due to complications from an epileptic seizure. Ritchie Ann was born in Tarlac, Philippines, and lived there until the age of 14 when her family moved to the United States and settled in Santa Cruz where she remained until her final day. She would have been 34 years old on March 25th Ritchie Ann graduated from Soquel High School in 1994. She continued her education at Cabrillo College where she received her Associates Degree in Business Management and Psychology. Ritchie Ann was a certified diamontologist and used her skills at Kay Jewelers, her employer for the past 10 years. She loved working with precious gems and being knowledgeable in her field of business. She always had a smile on her face and everyone she has met has been touched by her gentle and kind soul. She loved designing jewelry, listening to music and dancing. She enjoyed going out for sushi and surprising her family and friends with simple gifts that she knew would just put a smile on their faces. Ritchie Ann was a world traveler and studied several different languages. She was a woman who enriched her life by embracing cultures from around the world and this is reflected in the friends she has made from places as diverse as New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, Germany, and Japan. It often seemed that her number one goal in life was to leave people with a smile on their face and for them to know she loved them. We can honestly say she reached that goal and that our hearts and souls are better for having known her. Ritchie Ann is survived by her mother and step-father, Grace Balmorez and Lito Bugayong of Santa Cruz; sisters and brothers-in-law, Rochella Ong-O'Reilly & Shawn O'Reilly of Santa Cruz, and Reggie Ong & Dwayne White of Santa Cruz. She also leaves her nephews: Darnell White and Ethan O'Reilly who she considered to be the loves of her life. She also leaves behind many cousins in the Philippines: Kayselle, Kathleen, Krisha and Kim, Uncle Freddie Antonio and his wife Auntie Filipinas and an extensive number of friends and loved ones that will truly miss her. Her husband, Juergan Hagermann of Germany, who lost his life only two months after they were married in 2006, preceded her in death. There will be a viewing on Friday, March 4th from 1 - 7pm at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Garden Chapel, 1050 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz. There will be a Rosary immediately following the viewing at 7pm. Services will be held Saturday, March 5th at 10am at St. Joseph's Church, 435 Monterey Ave., Capitola. Burial will follow immediately after the service at the Oakwood Cemetery in Santa Cruz, off of Paul Sweet Road. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Epilepsy Foundation on behalf of Ritchie Ann Ong. ( www.epilepsynorcal.org/donate.php)