Esther Celeste Zapata

Esther Celeste Zapata, a cherished educator and devoted mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 84. Born on May 12, 1940, in San Benito, Texas, Esther was the beloved daughter of Herminia and Rafael Cantu. She attended Texas Women’s University and completed her master’s degree at Texas A&I University in Kingsville. Esther Celeste was a member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church in San Antonio and volunteer at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital for several years.

Esther Celeste’s life was marked by her unwavering commitment to education. Over the span of more than 30 years, she made a profound impact as an elementary and middle school teacher and reading specialist in Bishop and Kingsville, TX. Her dedication to her students extended beyond the classroom, where her warmth, patience, and encouragement helped to shape the futures of many young minds.

A true nurturer at heart, Esther was a wonderful mother and grandmother who adored her family and served her community. A serial baker, she was known for her delicious brownies and other baked goods that she readily made for family, friends, schoolteachers and other service organizations.

Esther Celeste is preceded in death by her parents, and her devoted husband of 39 years, Joaquin Zapata. She is survived by her children, Melinda Kalainoff (Vanessa), Jose Zapata (Karina), and Theresa Lopez (Jose); her grandchildren, Aiden, Jacob, Olivia, Lucia, Zoe, Nico, Rio, Miguel and Hudson; and many other extended family members and friends.

Esther Celeste Zapata’s spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love, educating, and baking will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Porter Loring Mortuary West.

ROSARYSUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 20246:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY WEST1710 W. LOOP 1604 N.

MASSMONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 202410:00 AMST. LUKE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH4603 MANITOU DR.

(followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery at Cordi-Marian)

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.