Zira Mercedes Villanueva

Born on February 9, 1931, in Caracas, Venezuela, Zira lived a vibrant and impactful life. She pursued her education in Toronto, Canada, graduating from Loretto College before returning to Venezuela, where she married the love of her life, Eduardo Villanueva, on April 4, 1964.

In 1981, Zira moved to the United States, eventually settling in Tampa, Florida, where she began her retirement. A lifelong learner, she held various administrative roles, owned successful small businesses, and continuously sought new creative pursuits. Zira was a gifted cook, a talented baker, and a master of crafts. She was fiercely devoted to her family—a loving wife, mother, and grandmother—and a force of nature who left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Eduardo, her mother Josefina Blanco, and six siblings—three brothers and three sisters.

Zira is survived by her daughter Mercedes Josefina, granddaughter Emily Ann, sons-in-law Michael and Antonio, sister Nelyda Gonzales, and a large extended family of loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Zira’s life will be held on Saturday, August 23rd, at Gonzalez Funeral Home. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, followed by funeral services from 11:00 to 11:45 AM, officiated by Father Francesco Hernandez. Burial will follow from 2:00 to 2:30 PM at Sunset Memory Gardens.

If anyone is so inclined, memorial donations may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at www.themmrf.org.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Augusto Villegas of Jacksonville, Dr. Y.K. Peter Park of Tampa, the compassionate care teams at The Addison of St. Johns and Community Hospice Care of St. Johns County, and the many dear friends who supported us throughout Zira’s journey.