Natividad "Tita" S. Zavala

Born on July 24, 1936, Natividad was a pillar of strength, compassion, and unwavering faith. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fulgencio Zavala Sr.; her son, Fulgencio Zavala Jr.; her parents, Augustine and Clara Sirio; and her siblings: Paul Sirio, Guadalupe Sirio Sr., Clara Garcia, Felicitas Salazar, Manuela Villanueva, Frances Hernandez, and Gregoria Paiz.

She is survived by her devoted sister, Anita Farias; her children: Virginia Villarreal (Raymon), Velma Mendez (Fred), Sara Paredez, Samuel Zavala, and daughter-in-law Diane Zavala. Natividad also leaves behind a cherished legacy of grandchildren: Teresa Villarreal, Celeste Jimenez (Manuel), Amber Ortiz (Emilio), Rocky Molina II, Vanessa Martinez (Vanessa), Emilio Paredez, Dekota Gomez (Apolonio), Ashley Zavala, and Fulgencio Zavala III. Her memory lives on through her 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren:

Great-grandchildren: Ruben (Dae) Garcia, Jayla Gomez, Brayden Flores, Atticus Mosher, Destiny Zavala, Amisty Zavala, Faith Zavala, Zion Zavala, Fulgencio Zavala IV, Loretta Zavala, Zoey Zavala, Sadie Zavala, Benicio Ortiz, Eliana Ortiz, Rhett Garza, Adrian Garza and Ezra Garza Great-great-grandchildren: Solano Garcia and Eli Garcia

A widow for 50 years, Natividad raised five children on her own, embodying resilience, love, and generosity. She was known for always helping others—whether it was driving her sisters to appointments, running errands, or offering a helping hand to anyone in need.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Natividad completed her Cursillo and was a proud Guadalupana at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, where she remained a devoted parishioner. She founded the church’s Thanksgiving turkey plate sale, a tradition that later continued at the Westside Community Center and still supports local families today. She also volunteered in the church fish fry, famous for her delicious albondigas.

A gifted cook and baker, Natividad often catered celebrations and events. She cherished the tradition of making tamales with her family each Christmas, playing Lotería (especially when it meant collecting dimes), doing puzzles with her granddaughters, and gardening with her green thumb. Simple pleasures like attending bingo, watching novelas and La Rosa de Guadalupe, and spending time with loved ones brought her the greatest joy.

Services: A public viewing will be held at Zoeller Funeral Home, 615 Landa Street, New Braunfels, on May 15, 2025, from 5 PM to 7 PM, with the Rosary beginning at 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on May 16 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 138 W Austin Street, New Braunfels, followed by interment at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, 301 Peace Avenue, New Braunfels.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Hope Hospice, especially nurses Casey, Kirsten and Amberly, for their compassion and care during Natividad’s final weeks.

Natividad’s love, faith, and enduring strength touched countless lives. Her legacy of selflessness, devotion, and unshakable spirit will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.