Juanita Zamarripa

Juanita "Oralia" Padilla Zamarripa, age 95, of Grand Rapids was called home by her Heavenly Father on Monday, May 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born June 25, 1929 to the late Estevan and Julia Padilla.  She grew up in San Antonio, Texas to a family of seven siblings. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters and two brothers; two children: Gloria Zamarripa, Juan Estevan Zamarripa, and the children’s father, Juan Zamarripa. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Rosalinda “Wende” (Robert) Alighire, Andrew (Paige) Zamarripa, Raymond (Helen) Zamarripa, Louise Berry; thirteen grandchildren, John (Christie) Alighire, Rosalinda Villarreal, Mark (Christina) Alighire, Nicole (Solomon) Amos, Ezequiel Zamarripa, Maclovia Zamarripa, Angela Zamarripa, Emilio (Natasha) Zamarripa, Mariana Zamarripa, Quinton Zamarripa, Paul Zamarripa, Sophie Zamarripa, and Colleen Berry;  20 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Juanita graduated from Grand Rapids Junior College with a degree in nursing at the age of 50. She worked for St. Mary’s Hospital as an L.P.N. before retiring.  She was an avid reader, loved to craft and sew and garden. She especially loved teaching her grandchildren to cook and craft.  Juanita was very involved in her church in various parish activities.  She was a former member of St. Andrew Cathedral and later was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Parish. Juanita in her earlier years was involved in the Latino community as a volunteer.  More than anything Juanita loved her family deeply. 

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1048 Chicago Dr. SW, Wyoming at 11:30 am on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, with Father Stephen Dudek officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass beginning at 10:30 a.m. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice.