Towanna Graham Ramdene

Towanna Graham Ramdene lived a big beautiful life in the 66 years, 10 months, and 28 days she graced this earth (d. 2/8/23). There wasn't a bit of life she wasn't curious about. In the time she was with us, she loved deeply, created beauty wherever she went, and left a wake of magic behind her. Her presence — playful, energized, joyful — made her an absolute delight to be around. And her dimples! She was dazzling and very kind, our lovely mother.

Born in Washington D.C. on March 17, 1956, and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina. If she found out you were from North Carolina, she'd call you her country cousin. Beulah Graham Teal was her mother (d. 2/10/12). Barbara G Ingram, Petitesa Teal, and Lynetta Brathwaite are her sisters. Reginald Graham-Teal and Darryl Teal are her brothers.

For the last 46 years, Towanna made her home in the heart of Albany, New York. Where she earned a degree in Classical Studies at University at Albany in 1985. Where she met Cecil B. Ramdene, her husband of 38 years, who adored her so and made her laugh in that special kind of way. Our beloved father passed just a year before her on February 10, 2022. Here is where they filled their home with us three children: Jihad Ramdene, Hali Bey Ramdene, and Grahame Ramdene. Our mother was love.

Towanna was a community builder with a quiet moral clarity around home, family, and children. It fueled her approach to motherhood and her work ethic. For over two-plus decades, she worked in community development as the Executive Director of West Hill Home Improvement Corp. Later, on behalf of the wellbeing of children, she worked as a Child Protective Specialist with the NYS Office of Children and Family Services.

She made her home, the home she raised her family in, a work of living art. With a keen eye, she created a loving home filled with big green plants and breakfasts on the front porch, summer parties in the backyard, and an eclectic collection of lamps and vibrant textiles. She had an eye. And anything she touched she made more beautiful.

For 7 years our mom battled with stage 4 breast cancer like a warrior. She was a force, moving through the peaks and valleys of a terminal cancer diagnosis with strength, humor, and vulnerability. She was radiant the whole way through. For as long as life was on the table she feasted. Whenever life could be lived with more beauty that was the way it was lived. Where there were choices to be made, she made them. Strength was her art and truest nature. She made the worst of it look too easy, too beautiful. But she did it that way because that was her nature. All of us who loved her had the chance to see it in the moments that made up her life. A life she shared so generously with us.

Our mom, your friend, and to those who may just be meeting her in these words. She was a light — the kind of person who is a gift to those who have had her loving attention. She wore bright red lipstick every day, was stylish beyond words, had big brown sparkling eyes, and would give her heart away in a second. She was elegant. And always belonged to herself. A true original. A beautiful soul.

We invite you to join us for a celebration of her life on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 10:00am in the Universalist Unitarian Society, 405 Washington Ave., Albany NY 12206.

A parking lot is available at the U.Albany Hawley Lot, located on the corner of Washington Ave. and Robin St. across from the Universalist Unitarian Society.