Mindy Eileen Zapata

August 29, 1980 – September 11, 2025

Mindy Eileen Zapata, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, educator, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, surrounded by love and light. Born in Houston, Texas, Mindy grew up in Stafford, where she embraced a joyful and humble upbringing that shaped her generous spirit and unwavering compassion.

A proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Mindy earned her degree in journalism and chased her dreams to New York City, where she began her career at Dow Jones.

Her journey later led her back to Texas by way of Alabama, where she discovered her true calling in education. With characteristic determination, she returned to school and earned her master’s in education administration along with a principal’s certificate from Huston-Tillotson University in Austin.

Mindy devoted over 17 years to the Texas public school system, where she not only taught but inspired. Her colleagues became lifelong friends, and her students were touched by her passion, warmth, and belief in their potential. She was a fierce advocate for learning and equity, and her legacy lives on in every classroom she graced.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mindy was a lover of the arts, a museum wanderer, a hiker, a traveler, and a proud Astros fan. She found joy in the simple and the profound—long walks, meaningful conversations, and the company of those she loved.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Hilda Rosa Angulo Zapataand and her late sister-in-law Hillary Wallis Zapata.

She is survived by her devoted father, Guadalupe J. Zapata; her brother James Zapata and his wife Jenny, along with their children Jackson, Hudson, Harper, and stepchildren Parker and Olivia; her sister Michelle Le and her husband Long, and their children Luke and Summer.

Mindy also leaves behind a wide circle of relatives and friends who were blessed by her presence.

She adored her bird Faith and the family dog Rocky, both of whom brought her comfort and companionship.

Her family—Guadalupe, James, and Michelle—extend their deepest gratitude to the many friends, loved ones, and medical professionals who supported Mindy throughout her journey, especially Dr. Bora Lim and the teams at both MD Anderson and Baylor St Lukes, whose care helped Mindy live her final years with grace, courage, and dignity.

Mindy’s life was a testament to kindness, resilience, and purpose. She gave her heart freely, lifted others with her words, and left the world better than she found it. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who knew her.

A mass celebrating her life will be held on September 27, 2025, at 1:00 pm at St. Michael's the Archangel Catholic Church (1801 Sage Rd, Houston, TX). With a reception to follow at Los Tios (5161 San Felipe St. Street 100 Houston, Texas 77056

Flowers are welcome and donations can also be made to honor her at MDAnderson.org/Gifts.