Shani Chiang/Houston Public Media

When Casa Ramirez's founder Macario Ramirez died, his wife Chrissie Dickerson Ramirez had no doubt she would continue running the shop. She loves Mexican culture deeply and is committed to carrying on Macario's legacy.

"The shop had so much of his spirit," she said. "It became kind of a companion to me."

Casa Ramirez, a folk art gallery in Houston’s Heights neighborhood, is well-known for popularizing Day of the Dead celebrations in Houston. Chrissie knew one of the first things she had to do after Macario's passing was to build him an ofrenda , or altar. She adorned it with his photos, Aztec memorabilia — reflecting his respect for Indigenous cultures — rocks from his beachcombing adventures, artwork from some of their favorite artists, and other

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