Guam historian Toni ‘Malia’ Ramirez has died.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero on Saturday via a press release described Ramirez as a “ a cherished member of our island and a tireless protector of CHamoru heritage.”

Ramirez was an oral historian for the Department of Parks and Recreation Historic Resources Division and has been with the agency for 23 years. She has over 31 years of service with the Government of Guam.

DPR Director Angel Sablan, saddened by her passing says, “Her vast knowledge of Guam’s different historical periods was a priceless resource, not only for our department, but the whole community.”

Sablan said that as a published author of Guam history, she was frequently called upon to validate facts or theories of the CHamoru culture, language, locations, and practices of past Guam. All branches of the military on the island would refer to her for their historical background of federal properties.

The governor added, “For our ancestors, history wasn’t written in books—it was passed down through stories, shared across generations. Malia took up this sacred responsibility, dedicating her heart and soul to uncovering and passing on the intricate web of family ties that define us.”

She was truly an ambassador of Guam, representing the island in countless on- and off-island meetings and conferences regarding our rich culture and as well as hundreds of school presentations over several decades.

In a statement, Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio said, “ She had an extraordinary way of making history feel personal, helping us see ourselves in the generations that came before, reminding us that we are part of something much greater than ourselves.”

Her loss is deeply felt, but her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched.