Our dear sweet mother took her last breath on April 6th, 2021. Julia or Grandma, as she was known by so many, was born and grew up in Harlingen, Texas. She was raised to be a woman of great faith, hard worker, and had a golden heart. She loved her parents and after they passed, she showered her love upon her siblings. She met the love of her life at a dance and had her brothers cruise the streets of Lozano on the back of their old truck with a few of her sisters in tow. When Nicho Sr. went off to war, he brought her gifts from Korea and asked her to be his wife. They married in 1954 and were blessed with 8 children, whom they showered with love, wisdom, support, and provided a wonderful close-knit life. In addition to her 8 children, Gma welcomed and provided a loving place where visitors, young and old, were fed, listened to and even given a place to stay, if need be. All our childhood friends knew that if they visited, they’d be treated to a great home cooked meal and lots of love and laughter. She hosted weddings, graduation parties, baptism celebrations, a gazillion birthdays and even anniversary celebrations. No one ever forgot the after celebratory delicious menudos. She cooked and cooked, sometimes for over 800 people. Of course, we helped, but she always supervised and handed out orders like a General. My Tio Quito jokingly called her “la chief.” Even after life dealt her the tragedy of deaths of her husband, son and grandson, she never lost her faith. While experiencing her loss and devastation, she lifted up those around her with words of comfort and love, a true testament of courage and strength. After her aged body began to ache, the years of cleaning and cooking began to take their toll, she still made fresh tortillas and her blanquillito con salsa. After years of making 100’s of dozens of tamales, she would sit and give out orders and instructions and be a taste-tester. Her 87 years of life were a testament of love, faith, family, forgiveness and mercy. While not perfect as our Lord, she did her best to be her best. She loved God, her family, and life. She spread joy and love with a faith-filled heart till the end. She leaves behind a legacy that many aim for but few achieve: faith, love, family, education and hard work. We will miss you mami, Ama, wela, grandma and we are at peace because we know you earned your wings and sit amongst our loved ones in heaven with our Lord, Father and Savior, no longer suffering but rejoicing with them all. Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel and Agustina Padilla; Her husband, Dionicio Zuniga Sr.; son, Rogerio Sr., grandson, Rogerio Jr.; Siblings: Manuel Padilla Jr., Seferino Padilla, Florencio Padilla, Arturo Padilla, Margarita Padilla, Minerva Padilla, Guadalupe Padilla, Emilia Montes, Dolores Ochoa, Esperanza Mendez; She is survived by her children: Irma Gonzalez (Lorenzo); Dionicio Zuniga Jr (Cindy), Alma Villarreal (+Rick); Luisa Montemayor (Rudy); daughter-n-law Lupe Zuniga, Ricardo Zuniga, Elisa Zuniga, and David (Imelda) Zuniga. Brothers and Sisters: Socorro Gloria and Maria Padilla Grandchildren: 26 Great Grandchildren: 19 Visitation will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021, from 5 pm to 9 pm, at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home, with a recitation of the Holy Rosary to be held at 7pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 10 am at St. Helen’s Catholic Church, 228 Huisache Ave, Rio Hondo, Texas 78583. Interment will follow to Mont Meta Memorial Cemetery. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 virus, all individuals are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines by socially distancing a minimum space of 6 feet apart and must wear face covers or masks. (May include bandanas or sewn or cloth face coverings). You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Julia Padilla Zuniga at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral