Mrs. Carmen Zapata of Del Rey, California
August 10, 1945 - March 13, 2023
Carmen was born in Reedley California August 10, 1945 to Florencio and Guadalupe
Garcia Sandoval and raised in Parlier California where she attended both elementary
and high school. In 1964, she received her high school diploma from Parlier High.
Afterwards Carmen went on to become a quality seamstress at Bayly's Manufacturing
for several years and then moved on to work for the Del Monte Corporation. But her
most rewarding career was being a homemaker taking care of her family for generations
to come.
Prior to starting a family and after graduating high school she had a love interest that
fate was working on the whole time. She had her eye on a boy for quite some time. His
name was Bobby Zapata. Unfortunately, Bobby was drafted to the military and served
for the next two years in the US Army. Carmen waited patiently for her dear Bobby to
return home. Upon his return, they began a loving and committed relationship. Shortly
thereafter, in 1967 they married and began to raise a family and a future together.
Carmen and Bobby moved to Del Rey California where they bought some property, built
a home and had three beautiful daughters. While Bob worked to grow his business,
Carmen worked as well, all while raising their children. Teaching them right from wrong,
good from bad and loving them the whole way through. She was excellent at cooking,
sewing and gardening. From preparing meals daily to sewing Halloween costumes for
her girls to canning fresh strawberry preserves and more, she did it all with love. But her
greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Carmen
was a devout Catholic and she and Bobby attended church routinely. Often going out for
dinner after as if it was their first date.
Carmen is survived by her husband Bobby of 55 years, daughters Rhonda Booker,
Roxann Dominguez, and Robbie Avila. Son in laws Rob Booker, Steve Dominguez and
John Avila. Grandchildren Felix, Samantha, Gabriella, Noah, Isabella, Emma, Aaron,
Madilyn, Marshall and Natalia. Great grandchildren Camilah and Allison. Siblings, Jesse
Sandoval of Parlier, Ca and Florencio Sandoval of Madera, Ca.
Carmen's life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and
will be missed beyond measure