Maritza Leticia Zárate Estrada

With profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Maritza Leticia Zárate Estrada, who entered peacefully into eternal rest on June 8, 2026, at the age of 75.

Maritza was born on December 4, 1950, in Colima, Colima, Mexico, to Manuel Zárate Morales and Alicia Estrada Díaz. She was raised in Mexico, where she developed the strong values, unwavering faith, and compassionate spirit that would guide her throughout her life.

She graduated from high school before earning her degree in Accounting. As a young professional, Maritza built a successful career in Guadalajara, Mexico. Her dedication and leadership led her into public service, where she served as Secretary to Governor Flavio Romero de Velasco. During this chapter of her life, she met the love of her life, Captain Rogelio Martínez.

Maritza later became the General Manager of COMESEC, where she faithfully served until the organization closed its doors. She then embarked on a new chapter, immigrating to the United States, where she continued touching lives with her generosity, resilience, and quiet strength.

She had a joyful spirit and a deep love for her Mexican heritage. She especially loved dancing and was a proud member of a Ballet Folklórico group, where she found great happiness celebrating the traditions and culture she cherished.

More than any title or accomplishment, Maritza will be remembered for the extraordinary love she gave to others. She had a servant’s heart and a remarkable ability to make every person feel cared for, valued, and loved. Whether through a warm meal, a comforting prayer, a listening ear, or countless acts of quiet sacrifice, she devoted her life to caring for those around her.

Maritza was preceded in death by her beloved son, Marco Handley Zárate, whose memory she carried in her heart every day. She is survived by her loving sisters: María Teresa Villanueva, and her children, Oscar Villanueva and Lisa Hartman; María del Socorro de la Mora Zárate, and her sons, Francisco de la Mora and Manuel de la Mora; and Norma Alicia Zárate, and her children, Isabella Kenya Baptiste and Dominic Baptiste. She also leaves behind her cherished adopted family: Ilia Fox, Christopher Warren, Kaeden Fox, Daphne Fox, Delayne Fox, Sean Warren, and Kate Warren, who loved her as their own.

For nearly twenty-one years, Maritza was far more than a caregiver to the Fox-Warren family—she was a beloved member of the family. She lovingly helped raise the children, celebrated every milestone, offered comfort through life’s challenges, and shared in every holiday, achievement, and ordinary moment. Her unwavering devotion, quiet strength, generous heart, and faithful prayers became the foundation of a home filled with love. Her influence reached far beyond daily care; she helped shape the lives and character of those she loved and leaves behind a legacy that will continue for generations.

Maritza’s legacy is one of unwavering love, humble service, enduring faith, and extraordinary generosity. She lived a life that reminded others that greatness is often found not in recognition, but in kindness, sacrifice, and the quiet ways we care for one another.

Though she is no longer with us, the love she gave, the lives she shaped, and the memories she created will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

May she rest in eternal peace.