Forever in Our Hearts...
Vilma H. Jagessar was a Godly woman, dedicated wife, mother, and educator. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 18, 2023. Vilma was born to Felicita Villatoro and Joaquin Ramos on March 22, 1981, in La Union, El Salvador and was the fifth of seven children. In 2008, Vilma married the love of her life, Robin Jagessar, and they have three children: Jenna, Jayda, and Jaden.
On July 4th 1990, at the age of eight, Vilma immigrated to Miami, FL with her family. From an early age, she took care of her younger siblings, as well as taking on many other family responsibilities. She always demonstrated a remarkable work ethic and a strong sense of discipline, diligence, resilience, and dedication.
Vilma worked hard to overcome the culture shock and language barrier, learning English and becoming fluent within a year. Her independent and self-motivated nature lead her to support herself. She started working at Dollar Tree during high school, then transitioned to a role at Walgreens where she worked as a photo specialist and customer service associate. Vilma graduated from Miami Southridge Senior High School in 2001 and continued working at Walgreens to financially support herself and fund her college tuition. In addition to these work responsibilities, Vilma was actively involved in tutoring children, which helped foster her love for elementary education. Vilma obtained her Associate of Arts Degree from Miami-Dade College and subsequently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Florida International University (FIU) in 2006.
Upon graduating from FIU, Vilma began her career as a teacher in the Miami-Dade public school system at South Miami Height Elementary. Two years later, Vilma and Robin made a faith-based decision to accept a position as the pre-school director at Miami Springs Baptist Church. She then spent the next 10 years serving the families in the Miami Springs community where she helped children excel and thrive in a Christian-based environment. Families in the community still remember the impact Vilma had in their children’s lives. In 2016, Vilma returned to the public school system as a teacher at Springview Elementary. Shortly after, she was honored as Rookie Teacher of the Year. She has been with Springview for over six years. With Vilma’s dedication to children and education, she made a decision to pursue a master’s degree in psychology and counseling during the pandemic while undergoing chemotherapy and surgical treatments. She persevered despite all the challenges and completed her graduate degree with honors from Albizu University in 2022. As a part of her curriculum, Vilma completed her counseling practicum at Miami Springs Senior High School. Additionally, Vilma held a position as professor of early childhood education at Miami Dade College.
Vilma was a longtime Miami Springs resident and was very active in the Miami Springs community. She was a soccer mom; all three of her children are part of the Miami Springs-Virginia Gardens (MSVG) soccer teams. Vilma enjoyed running, exercising and being in the great outdoors. She found pleasure hosting family events and bringing the family together. She had a love for music, singing, and dancing with her family and friends. Family values was foundational to her nature.
Vilma’s desire was to serve and honor her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She worshiped and served at Christ Journey Church for many years. She was actively involved in the children’s ministry.
In December 2020, Vilma was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. Vilma underwent numerous treatment options including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and several surgeries. Throughout this difficult season, Robin never left her side. Their faith in God and in each other helped them to stay strong and persevere throughout this difficult period. In February 2023, Vilma’s health declined, which placed a great deal of stress on the entire family. It had been a difficult journey, but her faith gave her comfort and peace knowing that she was in the care of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Vilma was an inspiration and a shining light, bringing out the very best in her family, students, friends, and everyone she encountered. She humbly lived out her Christian faith in her daily life and in her interactions with others through her generosity, kindness, gentleness, compassion, and patience. In all of Vilma’s endeavors, she always managed to touch the hearts and minds of children and adults alike. Vilma was a fighter, and she fought all of life’s battles with courage, resolve, dignity and grace. She will be remembered as a warrior and a faithful Christ follower. Her legacy will continue to live on through her husband Robin, children, family and all the lives she has touched.
Vilma is survived by her husband, Robin, and three children: Jenna (12), Jayda (11), and Jaden (7). She will be fondly remembered by her mother (Felicita), father (Joaquin), sisters (Gladis, Sandra, Iris, and Elma), brothers (Rigo and Rumel), nephews (Roger, Rigo Jr., Danny, Matthew, and Mark), and nieces (Zoraida, Vanessa, Erika, Grace R, and Mila). Vilma will also be fondly remembered by her mother- in-law (Inez), brothers-in-law (Ray, Terry, and Chris), sisters-in-law (Vida, Louise, and Michelle), nephews (Joshua, Joel, and Jeremiah), and nieces (Joy, Jazmine, Jade, Sofia, Jordyn, and Grace J).
May the Grace, Mercy, and Blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ bring joy, peace, and love to all who have been touched by Vilma.