Inese (Ramins) Kaneps, 98, passed away peacefully at her home in Warren, New Jersey, on December 15, 2025.

Inese was born on May 12, 1927, in Jelgava, Latvia, to Eduards and Marija Ramins. She grew up alongside her brother, Egils, and spent many summers of her youth in the countryside and at the seashore. These early experiences fostered in her a deep connection to nature and a lifelong love of gardening.

Inese had a remarkable ability to grow anything, and she generously shared her knowledge, skills and creativity with anyone who sought her guidance.

From a young age, Inese developed a strong faith in God, attending Sunday services with her nanny, Lidin. This devotion remained a guiding force throughout her life.

When Inese was 13 years old, Latvia was occupied by the Soviet Union. She and her mother fled to Germany, where they lived in a refugee camp for five years. During that time, Inese developed friendships that endured throughout her life.

Her brother, Egils, remained behind to defend the homeland. He was captured and imprisoned in a labor camp for seven years, and it wasn't until 25 years later in 1969 that Inese was reunited with him in Latvia.

Inese's father, Eduards, who was chairman of the war college, was arrested, taken to Norilsk in Russia and executed in 1942.

Inese emigrated to the United States in 1946. She later moved to New Jersey, where she married her husband, Arnolds Kaneps, in 1950. The couple settled in Warren, in the home Arnolds built, where they raised their five children and Inese lived until her death.

A true lover of the outdoors, Inese cultivated a large vegetable garden and tended her many vibrant flower beds with care and devotion. She excelled in flower arranging, wreath making, cookding and countless other creative pursuits. Her dining table was always adorned with meticulously arranged floral arrangements gathered from her gardens. She enriched family meals with home-grown fruits and vegetables and is especially remembered for her skills in canning, making relish and preserving food for the seasons ahead. She was also an excellent cook and baker.

Inese was multi-talented, and those who benefitted from her expert knitting skills were gifted with a treasured legacy of socks, blankets, sweaters and hats 6all lovingly made for anyone who simply asked.

Throughout her life, Inese remained devoted to her family in Latvia, often sending care packages to loved ones.

Inese was a beacon of strength and resilience. Her legacy of love, hard work, creativity and generosity lives on through the example she set for her children.

Inese was predeceased by her husband, Arnolds, in 2006; her parents, Eduards and Marija; and her brother, Egils.

She is survived by five children, Andrejs and wife Katherine, Kristine Radlof and husband Frank, Eriks (Ricky) and wife Susan, Armands and wife Christine and Ilze and husband Frank.

She is also survived by five grandchildren, Eric Radlof and wife Kim, Frank Radlof and wife Katie, Justin Kaneps and partner Theresa Crim, Drew Kaneps and wife Libby and Wyatt Kaneps; and six great-grand-children, Frankie, Ieva, Cameron, Henry, Juris and Conrad.

Inese also leaves behind numerous beloved family members in Latvia; a devoted caregiver, Sinai; and many dear friends.

Inese's cremated remains will be interred in Latvia.