Obituary of Paula Mata Zapata

Our beloved mother, Paula "Pauline" Mata Zapata, age 93, was peacefully called Home to our Heavenly Father on Saturday, July 3, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Austin, Texas on January 26, 1928, she is preceded in death by her parents, Filiberto and Mariana Mata Zapata; siblings, Trinidad Zapata, Gilbert Zapata, Domingo Zapata, Nora Zapata Sifuentes, Pricillia Zapata Martinez, Estepfana "Fannie" Zapata Martinez, and daughter-in-law, Janie Reyna Zapata.

Pauline is survived by her adoring children, Lupe Wilson (Charles Ellis), Frank Zapata, Janie Marie Zapata, Lillie Ann Ellis, Arthur Zapata and his wife, Lydia Serna Zapata, and David "Woody" Zapata; 15 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren, and several great-great grandchildren; her sisters, Janie Zapata Rodriguez and Mary Zapata Magallanez, and numerous other loving family members and friends.

Employed at City of Austin Brackenridge Hospital food service for approximately 28 years, she was very well liked by hospital staff.  While employed, she supported her favorite charity, Austin Smiles, with finacial donations.  After her retirement from Brackenridge Hospital, she continued to serve as a volunteer in the Admissions area until she fully retired.

As a woman of strong Christian faith, Pauline enjoyed reading her bible daily (never an arm's length away) and spent time in devotional prayer.  She was a generous person with a friendly smile and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; such as a good morning breakfast with pleasant conversation, spending time with her plants and flowers, and occasional get away trip with family to Coushatta; she enjoyed her quiet time sitting by her beloved pet, Friday's, final resting place and her favorite past time of watching old Westerns on TV and of course, frugal shopping with her son, David.

The family is deeply grateful for the support and care by Dr. Rita Schultz and staff as well as Compassus Hospice staff for their gentle and comfort support they provided.  Special thanks to Pricilla Katz for her loving kindness.

Serving as pallbearers are Mingo Martinez, Stanley Smith, James "Jimbo" Wilson, Jr., Frankie Zapata, Henry Steward and Nikolas Ellis.  Honorary Pallbearer will be Dennis Smith.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-9:00 p.m. with Recitation of Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2021 at Mission Funeral Home - South Side, 6204 S. First St., Austin, Texas.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 9, 2021 at Cristo Rey Catholic Church, 2nd St. and Robert T. Martinez St., Austin, Texas.  Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery.