Clara Guadalupe Zarate

Born in Edinburg, Texas on April 10, 1932, to Lydia and Perfecto Rodriguez, Clara was the eldest of six children. A 1949 Edinburg High graduate, Clara’s proficiency in mathematics soon garnered clerical work at banks. She met Eloy Ruben Zarate on a blind date in 1953. While Eloy prepared for his 1954 U.S Army enlistment, their love affair blossomed.

The relationship grew stronger while Eloy served overseas. Clara was welcomed by the Zarate’s into their Rio Grande City home. Clara and Eloy were married in 1957. It was a love affair that lasted 61 years, until dad passed in 2018.

During Eloy's military career, they welcomed the birth of five children and Clara managed a loving and busy households in Illinois, West Germany, San Antonio and North Carolina. She also prepared IRS returns during income tax season. Dad often told us that mom’s tax season efforts paid for family vacations to Disney World, Washington, D.C., and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tax season clients kept mom busy until 2012.

Clara and Eloy embraced retirement in 2000, welcoming any and all family to their San Antonio home.

Clara was a woman of deep faith, and her devotion to God was an important part of her life. She was also known for her warm heart and wonderful social spirit. She loved being around people and formed many meaningful friendships throughout her life. During her time at the assisted living facility, she especially enjoyed painting and playing Rummikub with her friends and looked forward to the laughter, conversation and companionship those times brought.

Clara Guadalupe Zarate was preceded in death by Eloy and son Peter Michael Zarate; her parents Perfecto and Lydia; siblings Eva de Leon, Jane Trantow and Alberto; brothers-in-law Ralph de Leon, Rigoberto Martinez, and In-laws Federico and Leticia, brothers-in law Edward, Rene, and Mario; sisters-in-law Gloria and Ita.

Survivors: Mark Zarate (Beth), Eric Zarate (Christy), Vicki Moseley (Bill) and Lloyd Zarate (Cynthia); grandchildren Rick, Elizabeth, Andrew, Ryan, Jamie, Georgia and Cassie, nine great-grandchildren; sisters Yolanda Rodriguez and Christy Martinez; and brother-in-law Emilio (Becca).

The family also thanks the Franklin Park-Boerne staff for all the loving care provided to Eloy and Clara.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, located at 202 W Kronkosky St, Boerne, TX 78006, on October 26, 2026, at 10:00 am.

A Committal Service will take place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78209, US, on October 26, 2026, at 1:45 pm.