Mary Ann Zapata

Mary Ann Zapata, a beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away on June 27, 2024, at the age of 80. She was born on November 25, 1943. She was a dedicated teacher, wife, and mother who always showed strength, compassion, and unwavering love to her family and those who knew her.

A loving wife to Julio Zapata Jr. for 59 years and a mother of five beautiful children, including a niece who was like a daughter, Liza, Lenore, Loreen, Lucita, Julianne, and Chris. Mary Ann was the epitome of resilience and strength. As a mother, she embraced the challenges of raising her daughters with care and love, but above all, a firm belief that we could achieve greatness. Her tireless devotion instilled the values of work ethic, and her boundless love set an example for our own families.

Mary Ann was able to balance her professional career with the demands of raising five daughters. Her passion and guidance as a teacher at Blue Ridge Elementary until she retired has extended for generations, including four of her daughters being in education. Her dedication to the bilingual program had a lasting impact on her belief that education was the key to unlocking opportunities for children. Many times, we heard, “I knew your mom, and if it weren't for her, I wouldn't be where I'm at today.” One of the many beautiful examples that exemplifies the compassion and grace in which she taught. Mary Ann has inspired many, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of the community she helped build.

As a migrant child with twelve siblings, life was not easy for Mary Ann. She faced adversity with remarkable strength and grace and didn't let those hardships dim her spirit. After having three children, she went back to school to become a teacher. The first in her family to go to college. Whether it was overcoming personal challenges or navigating difficult circumstances, she showed her family how the love you create as a family is far more important than anything else you do in this life. Her legacy lives on through her daughters and the lives she has touched. She taught us that family is everything and to cherish the time you have with one another.

Her friends and family will forever remember Mary Ann for the welcoming tamales at Christmas and the huge family potlucks at Pioneer Park, but most of all for loving and helping the children she thought could benefit from having their own advocate in this world...including her daughters.

Mary Ann will be missed but will forever remain in our hearts.

MaryAnn is survived by Julio Zapata Jr., Liza and Jack Jacobson, Madeline Jacobson, Mitchell Jacobson, Lenore and Rich King, Christian B. King, Beckham Z King, Loreen A. Zapata, Brisa Zapata-Reaves, Basilio Reaves, Belicia Reaves, Lucita and Ryan Fox, Sofia Fox, Jacob Fox, Julianne and Tony Howard, Prentice Steven Howard, Pierce Zapata Howard, Chris and Matthew Zapata-Wheeler, Annabella Zapata-Wheeler, and Estela Lugo.

A celebration of life will be held on July 7, 2024, followed by a private ceremony on Monday, July 8, 2024.

Memorial contributions may be made to Walla Walla Community Hospice and/or Eagle Springs Senior Living through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.