Vera was an avid reader, an excellent seamstress and loved to bake for her large family. She was a very gentle, peaceful and peace-loving person that could put together a meal at a moment’s notice when unexpected company arrived. Nothing beat her hot off the griddle tortillas or warm bread on a Thanksgiving morning. Vera loved gardening and was very proud of her roses and peonies. She loved children and they in turn responded well to her. Vera was proud of her home state of Arizona and had many fond stories growing up. A highlight was revisiting her childhood home with her brother Mike, sister Ruth, and several nieces and nephews.
Vera and husband Raleigh placed a high priority on Church and education: supporting all of their children through the various colleges of their choosing as well as in pursuing their personal goals.
Vera is preceded in death by her husband, Raleigh, son Edward, daughter Anna Marie Porras and grandson Joseph Zarate.
She is survived by her other children, Daniel (Priscilla) of Oxnard, daughter-in-law Lillie of Visalia, David (Cynthia) of Visalia; Debbie (Jon) Singleton of Angels Camp; Michael (Karen) of El Paso, TX; son-in-law Hector Porras of Redwood City, 15 more grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and many extended family members.
Visitation times: Thursday 8/5/21 starts at 4 pm with Rosary starting at 6 pm at Miller Memorial Chapel located at 1120 Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291
Service: Catholic Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish located at 608 N. Church St, Visalia, CA beginning at 9 am; followed by a graveside service beginning at 10:30 at Visalia Public Cemetery.
Remembrances: (St. Jude’s Children’s hospital or Visalia Bethlehem center)
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Zarate family.
