Amalia A. Zepeda

Doña Amalia “Lile” Zepeda was called to our Lord’s side in heaven on April 21, 2018. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Doña Lile during her 89 years of life, among them: To Err is Human, to Forgive Divine. She had lived an amazing and fruitful life filled with joy and happiness and will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

Born just before the Great Depression on January 6, 1929 in Yorktown, TX, she was one of 7 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Acevedo, who both precede her in death. As she was raised without her parents in a crowded household, Doña Amalia rapidly learned the value of helping others and giving whatever she had as she’d been born into poverty. Quick to offer assistance to the neighbor or the lady in the next pew, she was a beloved member of her neighborhood and Church Community.

Doña Lile moved to the Rio Grande Valley and decided to make McAllen, TX her home where she married her ex-husband, who precedes her in death, Mr. Juan Zepeda.

Throughout her life, Doña Lile was a devout Catholic who taught her family how to pray and the true meaning of speaking to God like an Ole Friend. Not only was she the Cornerstone of our family, she was a rock that healed countless scratches, cured numerous fevers and changed several diapers, and spent a myriad of nights worried over her children or grandchildren as they lay sleeping. She always forgave EVERYONE no matter the sin, and would continually remind you of the golden rule. Too many were the times I can recall her reminding me of the importance of God and family, how one was placed on earth to guard, guide and protect you-even help you if you fell. And how God and His Angels were there to shelter and lead you in the afterlife.

She was slow to anger but quick to point out the merits of selflessness while avoiding hatred, anger and jealousy. And let’s not forget there was ALWAYS a tea to cure what ailed you.

Known to appear asleep while watching her novelas or during her daytime bible readings, she was always quick to ask “Why’d you change the channel?” or “Why are you moving my bible?” Quickly followed by “I wasn’t sleeping.” Too many Saturday mornings were spent watching Pedro Infante or Jorge Negrete singing odes of love instead of watching the Superfriends or the Looney Toons.

She taught her family the healing power of crying, dancing and praying; of giving money to the poor or those in need. Countless were the cups of coffee and milk as she imparted her wisdom to those willing to listen as she recalled her younger days. You never left her house hungry or without feeling an awe-inspiring sense of peace and love. No matter the time you were away or how long since you’d seen her, she knew how to make her house feel like a home. Innumerable memories of an amazing and wonderful woman who raised so many, loved all she met, and established an indescribable faith in her family. (Who doesn’t remember promesas and walks to the St. Jude Shrine?)

She never let a vice get the best of her, and even after being diagnosed with cancer-she displayed her determination, persistence and faith by not only defeating the ailment, but by never questioning-just knowing it was all in God’s hands(The funny smelling cigarettes and alcohol also helped!).

Till her last moments on earth, she was quick to point out, “I’m ready. My work here is done.

She is preceded in death by her brothers, Felipe Acevedo and Teodoro Acevedo. Her sisters Amada Menchaca and Beatrice Garcia and is survived by her youngest brother Guadalupe Acevedo, her six daughters, San Juanita (Juan Antonio Sustaita, Sr.), Alicia (Juan Carmen Treviño), Amalia (Joaquin Manuel Garcia), Sylvia (Frank Cortez), Maria Antonia (Oscar Gonzalez), and Esmeralda Cavazos (Jose Mario Cavazos Sr.)17 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grand children; many nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 23, 2018 at Funeraria Del Angel in Mission from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a Rosary service at 7:00 pm. Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 2:00 pm at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in McAllen. Burial will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mission. Services are under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel of Mission.