Nellie Zavala age 92 of Lathrop, passed away in Stockton, California on December 18, 2023. She was born May 27, 1931 in Hanford, California, daughter of the late Guillermo and Carmen Gonzalez.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 48 years, Ynes Zavala (March 30, 1998), her son Randolph Zavala (September 19, 2019) and her dedicated companion John Mitchell (2020).
Nellie was the loving mother of Edward (Jane), Randolph (Josanna), Mark (Kim) and Ynes Jr. (Stacey). The eldest of 10 children, Nellie is survived by her sisters Tillie, Irene, Lupe, Isabel and Mary, six grandchildren, Jenna Kelly (Charles), Marianna and Marcelina Zavala, Katriel Coza (Kelly), Ethan and Joseph Zavala and two great-grandchildren, Roman and Raegan Kelly.
Nellie was a strong, determined and fiercely independent woman. At age 53 she started her post-secondary educational journey at San Joaquin Delta
College. She graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree in Social Sciences with high honors in 1991. She then embarked on her bachelor’s degree at the University of the Pacific and graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Services, Magna Cum Laude. She then went on to earn her Master’s Degree at the University of California, Stanislaus graduating in 1999 with a Master of Social Work.
Nellie used her social work education throughout her academic career and in her career as a social worker with Families First, El Concilio and Hospice of San Joaquin until her retirement in 2009.
Nellie was a servant leader who was committed to civic service. She served on councils, boards, clubs, coalitions and other forms of community groups to better serve her community.
In 1979 Nellie was awarded Woman of the Year by the Lathrop City Council for her tireless and inspiring efforts for the Lathrop Community. In 2008 Nellie was inducted into the Mexican American Hall of Fame in Stockton, California for her extraordinary efforts and commitment to education and quality of life for the Latino community. She embodied the spirit of a warrior leaving behind a lasting legacy of love that will long endure. Most of all she loved her family and instilled in her sons strong values that have served them well.
The family wishes to thank the caring staff of Hospice of San Joaquin. Special thanks to her two “daughters by choice and love” Carolyn Craig and Vicky McElyea for their unending and valuable care. Thank you to Stan McElyea for his unwavering friendship, and kindness.
To honor Nellie’s memory, we are holding a Celebration of Life on February 17, 2024 at 1 p.m. at P. L. Fry & Son Funeral Home 290 N Union Rd., Manteca, California 95337 (tel: 209-239-1242). We invite anyone who knew Nellie to attend and remember her wonderful life. Please wear colorful attire. Flowers may be sent to PL Fry & Son or memorial contributions to Hospice of San Joaquin are equally welcome.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
