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Beatriz Villarreal Zapata, 84, passed away peacefully in San Antonio after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Beatriz was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Renato Zapata Jr. She was born and raised in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Jose Maria Villarreal and Brigida Chapa Villarreal. Renowned for her beauty and intellect, Beatriz pursued education passionately. She attended Ursuline Academy in Laredo, Texas, where she graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1958. She went on to earn a degree in French from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio in 1962, which included a memorable year of study in Paris. A gifted linguist, Beatriz spoke four languages fluently - Spanish, English, French, and Italian, and also spoke some German and Russian. She began her professional career as a high school language and English teacher and later earned a master’s degree in English from Laredo State University, all while working full-time and raising four children. Beatriz went on to become the first certified simultaneous court interpreter for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, a role she held with distinction for over 35 years. Though she became a proud United States citizen, she remained deeply connected to her Mexican heritage and culture. Deeply involved in her community, Beatriz participated in numerous local organizations in Laredo, including The Society of Martha Washington, and cherished spending time with friends and family, especially her lifelong friend Linda Rash Mann and sister-in-law Mariangela Zapata Holliday. A devout Catholic, she was a woman of strong faith who often attended daily Mass. Beatriz also traveled extensively with her husband, always serving as a trusty interpreter in both the literal and spiritual sense - for languages, and for life. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her, especially her children and grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Nani.” Beatriz is survived by her four children: Renato Zapata III (Alma Delia), Judge Monica Zapata Notzon (Luis), Claudia Zapata Elliott (Sean), and Gustavo Zapata (Ximena). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Renato Zapata IV, Rebecca Zapata (Corey), Alejandro Zapata (Bryanda), Andres Zapata, Natali Notzon Spelta (Nick), Ana Claudia Notzon, Jack Notzon, Tad Brittingham, Jada Dalley, Jordyn Hicks (Elijah), Luca Zapata, and Leo Zapata; as well as her first great-grandchild, Renata Beatriz Zapata. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to those who visited and supported Beatriz during her illness, especially James A. Notzon, her loving niece Tina Cerda, Russell Cerda, her dearest friend Linda R. Mann, and her beloved goddaughter Cristy Benavides Alexander. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, at Mission Park Funeral Chapel Cherry Ridge, 3401 Cherry Ridge Dr., San Antonio, TX 78230. A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 9, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 555 E Del Mar Blvd, Laredo, TX 78041. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of South Texas at alz.org/sanantonio.

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Beatriz Villarreal Zapata

August 25, 1940 - May 27, 2025