Mary Jo Zapata Gunckel

Josie was born on January 24, 1940, in Dallas, TX, to Jesus Zapata and Maria Curiel. She attended Crozier Technical High School, then went on to receive a Certificate of Clerical Studies in 1968.

Thereafter, Josie started at G.E. Credit inside the original Levitz Furniture Co. on Stemmons Freeway (currently known as The Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility). She eventually began working directly for Levitz in their credit department, until becoming the Office Manager for both their Dallas and Mesquite locations. While at Levitz, she could be depended upon for their weekly bowling games at what was then-known as Cotton Bowling Lanes (Inwood @ Lemmon). After turning her sights to working in the car dealership industry, she retired in 2010.

Josie is preceded in death by Father Jesus Zapata, Mother Maria Curiel, Brother Jerry Zapata, Son Adam Mendoza and Son-In-Law Paul Morgan.

Josie is survived by Husband James Gunckel, Brother Jenaro Zapata (wife, Bertha), Daughter Monica Sanchez (husband, Dean), Daughter Elena Morgan, Son Marty Mendoza (wife, Bertha). Surviving grandchildren are Stephanie Diaz, Enoch Diaz (wife, Melissa), Luis Peña, Deana Baez (husband, Luis), Brandon Sanchez, Ericka Morgan, Marco Mendoza (wife, Taylor), Gabriella Mendoza, Brittany Mendoza, Miko Mendoza; surviving great grandchildren are Alexander Nguyen, Christian Diaz, Aaron Diaz, Alyse Peña, Luis Peña, II, Nathan Baez, Nayeli Baez, Ezekiel Baez, Levi Morgan, Remington Mendoza and Adam Mendoza; surviving great-great grandchild is Matthew Diaz, and many loving and caring nieces, nephews, besties, friends, former coworkers and colleagues.

Visitation will be held February 22, 2023 (4-8pm), at Calvary Hill. Mass of Catholic burial will be held February 23, 2023 (10am), in the North Chapel of Calvary Hill. Committal will follow at Calvary Hill (11am).

The Zapata Gunckel family wish to thank Agape Hospice Care for their loving and gracious care, as well as their support of the entire family throughout.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.calvaryhilldallas.com for the Zapata Gunckel family.