Maria Rosa Zepeda

Maria Rosa Zepeda, 81, passed away peacefully in Harlingen, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on January 28, 1945, in Ascensión, Nuevo León, Mexico, Maria Rosa lived a life rooted in faith, love, hard work, and devotion to her family. She immigrated to the United States and built a life centered around caring for those she loved. Throughout her years, she worked at the shrimp factory in Harlingen and later at Gorges Food Service, where she was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. Maria Rosa was a devoted Christian whose faith in God guided her throughout her life. She found great joy in worshiping the Lord, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and appreciating the beauty of God’s creation through bird watching. Her family was her greatest treasure, and she never missed an opportunity to share her love, encouragement, and prayers with everyone she met. She is lovingly survived by her husband, Justo Zepeda. children, Velma O’Reilly and husband Scott O’Reilly, Xavier Zepeda, Ruby Zepeda Mendoza and husband Carlos Mendoza, Hannah Zepeda, and Belinda De La Cruz Broden, whom she lovingly raised as her own daughter. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Cortney Crump and husband Christopher Crump, Dustin Ortiz and wife Gracie Ortiz, Ashqelene Stillman, George Stillman and wife Brittany Stillman, Nicholas Mendoza, Adelyn Mendoza, Brandon Broden, Devin Broden, and Symphony Broden. She was also a loving great-grandmother to Carmen Crump, Luna Crump, Theodore Crump, Camillet Stillman and Layla Stillman. She also leaves behind her three brothers, Julio Puente, Alex Puente, and George Puente, along with many other beloved relatives and friends whose lives she touched. Visitation will begin Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 12:00 PM until 9:00 PM, and a prayer service will be at 6:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Rudy Garza Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Restlawn Cemetery. Maria Rosa will be remembered as a caring and loving woman, a faithful child of God, and someone who always brought warmth and joy wherever she went. She loved color, laughter, family gatherings, and celebrating life. Whether sharing stories, spending time with her grandchildren, watching the birds outside her window, or praising the Lord, she found beauty in life’s simple blessings. Her kindness, unwavering faith, and generous spirit leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in knowing she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her. Pallbearers will be Daniel Puente, Devin Broden, Dustin Ortiz, George Stillman, Julian Puente, and Nicholas Mendoza. In honor of Maria Rosa’s vibrant spirit, the family encourages those attending her services to wear colors that celebrate her life and the joy she brought to others rather than traditional black attire. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23 Maria Rosa’s love, faith, and light will forever remain in our hearts.

Maria Rosa Zepeda

January 28, 1945 - June 22, 2026

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