Mission & Vision Statements
Mission:
The Mary B. and Ramon B. Felix Foundation supports students in achieving their educational and career goals by providing scholarships for college or trade school education and by investing in nonprofit schools and organizations that strengthen learning and support educators.
Vision:
We envision a future where financial barriers do not prevent motivated students from pursuing higher education or skilled careers — and where the values of kindness, generosity, faith and service continue across generations.
Meet Our Founder
Founded in 2022 by Ramona Felix, affectionately known as “Sister,” the Foundation honors her parents, Mary B. and Ramon B. Felix — humble, hard-working, generous individuals who believed deeply in family, faith and helping others.
Honorary Founder
Founder
Honorary Founder
Meet Our Founder
Founded in 2022 by Ramona Felix, affectionately known as “Sister,” the Foundation honors her parents, Mary B. and Ramon B. Felix — humble, hard-working, generous individuals who believed deeply in family, faith and helping others.
Founder
Honorary Founder
Honorary Founder
About Ramona "Sister" Felix, Founder
Although the Foundation is named in honor of Mary and Ramon, it truly was the vision of their second eldest daughter, Ramona “Sister” Felix. Born on August 23, 1933, in Chandler, Arizona, Sister has lived her life devoted to faith, education and service to others. She entered religious life in the early 1950s and spent nearly three decades as a Catholic nun and educator, teaching children across Arizona and serving communities in Tucson, Ajo and Phoenix.
Her work extended beyond the classroom to caring for orphaned children at Father Wasson's orphanage, Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, in Mexico and supporting underserved families through mission-based schools and programs. After returning home to care for her parents, Sister continued her commitment to children and education by founding Mona’s Montessori Daycare in Ocotillo, a school that remains family-operated today. The Mary B. and Ramon B. Felix Foundation reflects Sister’s lifelong belief that education, kindness and generosity can change lives and create lasting legacy.
The Foundation was seeded with funds from a family inheritance and officially received tax-exempt status from the IRS as a 501(c)(3) in September of 2022.
About Ramona "Sister" Felix, Founder
Although the Foundation is named in honor of Mary and Ramon, it truly was the vision of their second eldest daughter, Ramona “Sister” Felix. Born on August 23, 1933, in Chandler, Arizona, Sister has lived her life devoted to faith, education and service to others. She entered religious life in the early 1950s and spent nearly three decades as a Catholic nun and educator, teaching children across Arizona and serving communities in Tucson, Ajo and Phoenix.
Her work extended beyond the classroom to caring for orphaned children at Father Wasson's orphanage, Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, in Mexico and supporting underserved families through mission-based schools and programs. After returning home to care for her parents, Sister continued her commitment to children and education by founding Mona’s Montessori Daycare in Ocotillo, a school that remains family-operated today. The Mary B. and Ramon B. Felix Foundation reflects Sister’s lifelong belief that education, kindness and generosity can change lives and create lasting legacy.
The Foundation was seeded with funds from a family inheritance and officially received tax-exempt status from the IRS as a 501(c)(3) in September of 2022.
About Mary Basha and Ramon Felix
Mary Basha and Ramon Felix grew up in the small mining community of Sonora Ray, Arizona, where Mary’s family operated a dry goods store and Ramon worked in the mines. In the 1920s, they moved to what is now considered Chandler, Arizona. Mary named the “Ocotillo” area of south Chandler, where they set down roots and grew their family. Together they raised eight children – two girls and six boys – and quietly modeled generosity, kindness and perseverance.
Sister named the Foundation after her parents because, in her words, “I wanted them to be known for something.” That “something” is education — opening doors for students who want to learn, grow and serve but need financial support to do so.
About Mary Basha and Ramon Felix
Mary Basha and Ramon Felix grew up in the small mining community of Sonora Ray, Arizona, where Mary’s family operated a dry goods store and Ramon worked in the mines. In the 1920s, they moved to what is now considered Chandler, Arizona. Mary named the “Ocotillo” area of south Chandler, where they set down roots and grew their family. Together they raised eight children – two girls and six boys – and quietly modeled generosity, kindness and perseverance.
Sister named the Foundation after her parents because, in her words, “I wanted them to be known for something.” That “something” is education — opening doors for students who want to learn, grow and serve but need financial support to do so.
Board of Directors
The Foundation is guided by a volunteer board of directors committed to thoughtful stewardship and community impact.
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Board Chairman
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Board Member
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