Elida Lozano-Zarate

Elida Lozano-Zarate lived a life centered on family, learning, and caring for others. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, she will be remembered for the love she gave her family, the lives she shaped as a teacher, and the many memories she created with those around her.

One of ten children, Elida grew up as the fourth oldest in a family of five boys and five girls. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree and teaching credential from California State University, Fresno, and found her calling in the classroom as a kindergarten and first-grade teacher.

Elida had a special passion for helping young children learn to read. Through her patience and care, she gave generations of students one of the most important gifts a teacher can offer: the foundation for a lifetime of learning. That love of reading extended well beyond the classroom. She delighted in reading to her grandchildren and helping them learn to read, sharing with them the same gift she had given so many of her students.

But the heart of Elida's life was her family. She was the devoted mother of Michael, Christopher, Laura, and her beloved son Joseph (“Jo Jo”), who preceded her in death, and a loving grandmother to four grandchildren, whom she loved unconditionally. She cherished the time they spent together and the memories they created as a family.

Her love for her children was also reflected in the strength she instilled in them. Strong-willed herself, Elida taught them to stand tall, persevere through life's challenges, and keep moving forward even when things were difficult. The love and strength she gave them will remain an enduring part of her legacy.

Elida also found joy in the simple beauty of making things grow and creating things with her own hands. She loved gardening and could often be found tending flowers, vegetables, and succulents. She enjoyed sewing and embroidery, reading, and spending time with the people she loved.

Ultimately, Elida's life was one of nurturing. She devoted herself to the family she raised, the bonds she shared with her siblings, and the special relationships she built with her grandchildren. Whether helping children learn and grow or tending the garden she loved, she found meaning in caring for what mattered most to her.

She leaves behind the lessons she taught, the memories she created, and, above all, a family that will carry her love forward for generations to come. And while her family will miss her deeply, they find comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her beloved Jo Jo.