Maria de Jesus Zapien

Maria De Jesus Zapien, born March 17, 1939, passed peacefully on December 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and quiet strength. She was predeceased by her beloved mother, Victoria Garcia Zapien, and by her devoted husband, Tiburcio Zapien, with whom she shared more than 50 years of marriage rooted in love, commitment, and faith.

A devoted Catholic, Maria’s faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her actions and shaping the compassion she freely gave to others. She was a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in El Paso, where she attended Mass for more than 40 years, finding strength, comfort, and community in her parish. Maria lived with grace, humility, and an unwavering belief in serving where she could, always offering help with a warm heart and open hands.

Maria was a loyal friend and a cherished presence at her local community center, where she enjoyed being social and nurturing meaningful friendships. She found joy in traveling and embraced each journey as an opportunity to experience the world and connect with others, most recently traveling to California to visit close family and dear friends. Those who knew her will remember her gentle spirit, her thoughtfulness, and her sincere care for the well-being of everyone around her.

Above all, Maria was profoundly proud of her son, Stephan Zapien, and cherished the life and family he built. She is survived by Stephan, his wife Mindy, and their son Thomas, who brought her immeasurable joy as her only grandchild. Maria was deeply grateful for the opportunity to help care for Thomas after his birth—a time that filled her heart with purpose, pride, and love. She also deeply cherished her relationship with Diana Cardenas, who was like a daughter to her. Maria took great joy in watching Diana perform in ballet and with her cello and remained lovingly present as Diana married and began a family of her own. Her devotion to family—both by blood and by heart—was unwavering, and her presence will continue to be felt in the lives she touched so tenderly.

The Rosary will be held on Monday, January 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Funeraria del Angel Restlawn, 8817 Dyer Street, El Paso, Texas 79904. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 13, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 1118 North Mesa Street, El Paso, Texas 79902, with burial services at Restlawn Cemetery immediately following the funeral.

Maria De Jesus Zapien will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her generosity of spirit, and the quiet, enduring love she gave so freely. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”

— Numbers 6:24–26