Zeferina Parras Regalado

August 26, 1941 - August 15, 2026

Zeferina "Nina" Parras Regalado, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, friend, and woman of deep Catholic faith, went home to be with the Lord on August 15, 2026, at the age of 84.

Nina lived a beautiful life filled with faith, love, family, charity, and service to others. Her love for God was not simply something she spoke about-it was something she lived every day. Her Catholic faith could be seen throughout her home, where every room reflected her love and devotion to God, the Blessed Mother, and her faith.

One of the most important parts of Nina's daily life was prayer. She faithfully prayed the Holy Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet every day, making them a priority in her life and planning her day around these times of prayer. Her devotion was a source of strength, peace, and comfort, and she prayed not only for herself, but for her family, her friends, and those in need.

Nina was a devoted member of St. Pius Catholic Church for more than 60 years. Throughout those many decades, she gave generously of her time and her faith in service to her parish and community. She served as a Lector and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and was a member of the Homebound Ministry, bringing Holy Communion and the presence of the Church to those who were sick or unable to attend Mass.

She was also actively involved in the Cursillistas retreat community, De Colores Ministries, the Guadalupanas Society, and many other ministries and activities at St. Pius. Nina never hesitated to volunteer when there was an opportunity to serve God or help another person. Her faith was expressed through her actions, her kindness, and her willingness to give of herself to others.

For Nina, her faith and her family were inseparable.

She was a loving mother to her three children and a devoted mother to her three stepchildren. She loved all of her children unconditionally. As her children grew older and began families of their own, her love only grew.

Nina's home became a place where generations of family gathered. Whenever her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, family, or friends came to her home, they were welcomed at the door with a smile and, most importantly, a hug from Grandma Nina. That hug was something she gave freely-not only to her family, but to anyone who entered her home.

And when it was time to leave, Nina had one more gift to give: a blessing.

Whether you were leaving her home or simply parting ways wherever you happened to be, Nina would bless you before you left. It was her way of saying, I love you, God bless you, and please be safe. Those blessings will remain among the many memories her family will carry in their hearts.

Nina was also known for her wonderful cooking. She loved preparing Mexican food for her family and friends and took great joy in making sure that no one left her home hungry. If Nina knew you were coming, she would make sure there was something waiting for you to eat.

She was especially known for her homemade chili salsa and her pickled jalapeños with onions and carrots. Her food was made with the same thing she gave to everything else in her life-love.

Grandma Nina's home was a place of celebration. It was the gathering place for birthdays, holidays, family celebrations, cookouts, and simply getting together. There was always room for one more person, one more plate of food, and one more reason to celebrate.

And if there was music, Nina was ready to dance.

She never cared what kind of music was playing. If someone was willing to dance with her, she would dance with them. And if no one was available, that never stopped Nina-she would simply get on the dance floor and dance by herself. Her joy was contagious, and her willingness to celebrate life was one of the many things that made her unforgettable.

Nina also loved her yard and her plants. She would rise early to make sure her yard and plants were watered and cared for. Just as she nurtured her plants, she nurtured the people around her-with patience, love, kindness, and care.

Throughout her life, Nina worked hard. She worked in a factory as a seamstress and later became an independent saleswoman for Jafra, Avon, Tupperware, and Home Interiors. She was hardworking, outgoing, and never afraid to work to provide for her family.

But above all of these things, Nina was a woman of faith and love.

Her life was a testimony to what it means to put God and family at the center of everything. She served her Church, cared for others, welcomed everyone into her home, prayed faithfully, and loved her family without condition.

Nina has now answered the Lord's call and begun her journey home to Heaven. We find comfort knowing that she is now reunited with those who went before her, including her beloved husband, Dionicio Regalado; her parents, Francisco Parras and Gregoria Flores; her brother, Arturo Parras; her stepdaughter, Dolores Regalado, and grandson David "Davie" Avila Jr.

Although our hearts are broken by her absence, we trust in the promise of our Catholic faith that death is not the end, but the beginning of eternal life with God.

We imagine Nina now entering the presence of our Lord, greeted by the Blessed Mother whom she loved and honored throughout her life, and reunited with the family members who were waiting for her.

And perhaps, knowing Nina, there is already music playing.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: David Avila (Maria), Luis Fernando Regalado, Gloria Berzoza (Richard), Raul Regalado (Isabel), and Hector Regalado; 20 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren; and her surviving siblings, Alicia Salais, Rosa Galaviz, Irma Urquidi, Efrain Parras, Ramon Parras, Albert Parras, and Freddy Parras. She is also survived by numerous extended family members and friends who were blessed to know and love her.

The pallbearers are -- Adrian Regalado, Edibert Regalado, Trini Regalado, Patrick Bravo, Benjamin Avila, and Luis Regalado. The honorary pallbearers are -- Cecilia Avila, Elizabeth Avila, Jacqueline Leal, Celina Torres, Alexis Berzoza, Joanne Lara, Crystal Bravo, Melissa Villegas, Michelle Regalado, Marlyn Brown, Beatriz Avila, Eric Regalado, David "Davie" Avila Jr.

Her family will forever remember the woman who opened her door with a hug, filled her home with prayer, filled her kitchen with food, filled family gatherings with laughter and music, and sent everyone on their way with a blessing.

Nina, you have given us a lifetime of memories, a lifetime of love, and a beautiful example of faith.

You taught us that faith is something we live.

You taught us that family is something we cherish.

You taught us that serving others is an expression of God's love.

And you taught us that no matter how old we become, there is always a reason to dance.

Your chair may be empty, but your love will never leave this home or our hearts.

Until we meet again, Grandma Nina, may the Lord bless you and keep you. May He welcome you into His Kingdom and grant you eternal rest.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed,

through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

"Miss Me, But Let Me Go"

When I come to the end of the road

and the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not too long,

and not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared.

Miss me-but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take,

and each must go alone.

It is all a part of the Master's plan,

a step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart,

go to the friends we know,

and bury your sorrow in doing good deeds.

Miss me - but let me go.