Sister Maria Delia Zapata, age 85, of Kingsville, Texas passed away on October 3, 2026 in Kingsville, Texas. She was born on November 19, 1941 in Robstown, Texas to Agapito and San Juana Zapata.

Sister Delia faithfully served God and the Church for 66 years as a member of the Misioneras Hijas De La Purisima Virgen Maria (Missionary Daughters of the Most Pure Virgin Mary). Sister Delia was born and raised in the city of Robstown, Texas in their humble home located across the street from St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church and attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School. She entered the Missionary Daughters of the Most Pure Virgin Mary on August 8, 1960, professed first vows on August 15, 1963, and made her perpetual vows on August 15, 1968.

Throughout her religious life, Sister Delia served with devotion in ministries, such as early children’s education, parish service, and administration. She ministered and taught pre-elementary school between 1963-2018 in parishes in: Kingsville, McAllen, and Robstown, Texas; Sunnyside and Wenachee, Washington; and Millville and Vineland, New Jersey. She was especially remembered for her care, commitment, and devotion to her students, and for the prayerful presence and kindness she shared with all whom she encountered. One never saw Sister Delia without a loving and caring smile when she was with children. Besides her devotion to the ministry, Sister Delia was a center of gravity and love in her large extended family and an example for all to follow in the love and respect for God and the church and service to others. These cherished values from her family were further reinforced while a member of her beautiful, faithful, loving, caring members of her other beloved family, the Misioneras Hijas De La Purisima Virgen Maria.

The Zapata family sincerely thanks all of her sisters of the Misioneras Hijas De La Purisima Virgen Maria family and Jasmine (caretaker) who never left her side during her illness and prayed with her until her last breath before joining her beloved extended Zapata family members who were waiting for her in heaven. Sincere appreciation is also extended to Dr. Ugarte and the nurses and staff of Kingsville Hospice for the exceptional care, compassion, and support they provided to Sister Delia. Special thanks and appreciation are expressed to Sister Delia’s long-time friend and colleague, Sister Agueda Durazo, whose caring and loving leadership of the Missionary Daughters of the Most Pure Virgin Mary during these last few years of our beloved Sister Delia was needed. Rest in Peace dear Sister Delia and thank you for your many years of service to God, our youth, your congregation, the church, and the several parishes throughout our nation.

Sister Delia is preceded in death by seven brothers, Agapito Jr., Daniel, Ramiro, Alfredo, Eliseo, Raul and Amador; and four sisters, Ofelia, Minerva, Maria, and Teresa.

Those left to cherish her memory include two brothers, Rene Zapata, and Gilbert (Mary) Soto Zapata; one sister, Jovita (Noe) Soto; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home, with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Martin’s Catholic Church with Father Alfredo Villarreal officiating. Interment will follow at Chamberlain Cemetery.

The Zapata family requests that Memorial gifts may be made to the Missionary Daughters of the Most Pure Virgin Mary, 919 North 9th St., Kingsville, Texas 78363.