Rosalia P. Zayas

BROWNSVILLE, TX. - Rosalia P. Zayas, 93, of Brownsville, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, the 19th of July 2026, surrounded by her four children and sister, Sylvia.

Rosalia was born to Gumersindo and Mercedes Perez. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved sisters, Frances Saenz (Carlos) and Gloria Garcia (Urbano). She is survived by her sister, Sylvia L. Perez; her four children, Dr. Joe D. Zayas (Kathy), Delpha Randazzo (Terry), Sandy Ramon Tarbet (Brian), and Richard Zayas (Sandra); and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was a proud grandmother to Marissa, Joseph, Danielle, Lauren, Taylor, Melissa, Melanie, Adrian, Ricky, Tyler, and Olivia, and a loving great-grandmother to Violet, Amelia, Henry, Harlee, Abigail, Townes, and Zephyr.

Rosie lived a life defined by faith, family, service, friendship, and an unwavering love for learning. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, laughter, and dedication that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

For 33 years, Rosie devoted herself to teaching first grade, a career she cherished deeply. She never complained about the long hours or challenges because she firmly believed in the importance of helping children learn. Nothing brought her greater joy than watching a student learn to read. The pride she felt in her students' accomplishments mirrored the pride she carried for her own family. Even outside the classroom, she continued to share her gift for teaching by tutoring her grandchildren, who would all agree that phonics was her specialty. If there were a Phonics Queen, Rosie would have unquestionably worn the crown.

Travel was one of Rosie's greatest passions. Whether exploring historic landmarks along the East and West Coasts, visiting family in Spain, touring Europe and receiving an audience with the Pope, making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, or discovering destinations throughout China, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Mexico, and beyond, she was always eager for her next adventure. Her sisters, Gloria and Sylvia, were her favorite traveling companions, and together they attended four Olympic Games in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Barcelona, and Salt Lake City, creating cherished memories that lasted a lifetime.

Rosie also had a deep and abiding love for the Brownsville community. She enthusiastically supported her hometown, attending ballets, concerts at Jacob Brown Auditorium, productions at the Camille Playhouse, and countless community events throughout the Rio Grande Valley. She took great pride in celebrating the rich traditions of Charro Days and faithfully marched in the annual parades year after year. Following her retirement, Rosie remained active in BARSEA, continuing her lifelong commitment to service, friendship, and education. She also enjoyed traveling with the Mr. Amigo Association for the annual naming of Mr. Amigo and was especially proud of her sister Sylvia's involvement with the organization. Whether supporting the arts, preserving local traditions, or strengthening community ties, Rosie embraced every opportunity to contribute to the city she proudly called home.

Rosie had a gift for bringing joy to others. Her laughter was unmistakable, her love abundant, and her sense of humor unforgettable. Often, she would begin laughing before she could finish telling a joke, making it impossible for those around her not to laugh along with her. She maintained an endless collection of jokes that family and friends heard time and again, laughing together every time she told them.

Her home, and more importantly her heart, were always open. Holidays were especially meaningful to Rosie because they provided opportunities to gather family and friends. Christmas celebrations, Easter egg hunts, birthdays, Sunday dinners, and simple visits became treasured occasions for creating memories and strengthening the bonds she held so dear.

Rosie also knew how to have fun. She faithfully played Bunco with the same group of friends for more than forty years, mastered Texas Hold'em, and later became a devoted Mexican Train enthusiast. Though always gracious, she possessed a quietly competitive spirit that delighted those who knew her well.

Never one to miss an adventure, Rosie delighted in trips to Las Vegas with Gloria and Sylvia, where they enjoyed trying their luck at the slot machines. She also loved attending concerts by favorite performers including Elton John, Tina Turner, Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, and Barbra Streisand. Together, the sisters shared countless unforgettable adventures filled with laughter, music, and treasured memories.

Above all else, Rosie's greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was her family. She loved her four children unconditionally and supported every dream they pursued. She spoke often and proudly of Joe the dentist, Delpha the pharmacist, Sandy the MBA, and Ricky the attorney, celebrating each of their accomplishments as if they were her own.

That same pride extended to her nine grandchildren. Rosie attended every high school and college graduation she could, even when it required traveling across the country. She was always the proudest person in the audience, celebrating each milestone with genuine enthusiasm and unconditional love. Few things brought her greater happiness than witnessing the educational achievements of her family.

Rosie never passed up an opportunity to celebrate or support the people she loved. Whether attending weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, graduations, family dinners, or offering comfort during times of loss, she was always present. Her family often joked that when she headed to an evening wake or rosary, she was simply going to another "happy hour." It was a lighthearted family expression that perfectly captured her loyalty, compassion, and steadfast commitment to others.

While we mourn the loss of Rosie, we are equally grateful for the extraordinary life she lived. She taught us to laugh often, love generously, show up for one another, and celebrate every success, no matter how large or small.

Rosie was an extraordinary mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, teacher, and friend. She believed that anything was possible, encouraged everyone she met, and had a remarkable gift for making each person feel valued and important.

Though her presence will be deeply missed, her laughter, love, encouragement, and unwavering support will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the students she inspired, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, the 23rd of July 2026 between the hours of five o'clock in the afternoon and nine o'clock at night, with the recitation of the holy rosary to be recited at seven o'clock Thursday evening within the East Chapel of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ten o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 24th of July 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1914 Barnard Road, Brownsville. Interment will then follow, via an escorted procession, at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4464 Old Port Isabel Road, Brownsville.

In lieu of floral arrangements and customary remembrances, contributions in memory of Rosalia may be directed to TRTA-BARSEA: Rosalia Perez Zayas Scholarship Donation - Check payable to: TRTA-BARSEA P.O. Box 3863, Brownsville, Texas 78526 care of Emma Martinez, Treasurer and Alma Garcia, Scholarship Chair.

Memories of Rosalia may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey, CFSP and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.