Albina Avila

On Monday, July 31st 2023, Albina Zapata Avila, the loving matriarch of a large family including seven children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, passed away at the age of 91. Albina was born a twin to Felipe Zapata and Jesusita Ibarra on September 15th, 1931 in Texas. She moved with her devoted husband, Carlos Enrique Avila, to start a life in Southern California in the mid-1950's where they created new opportunities for their growing family. After Carlos passed away in August of 1981 she never remarried and they will be buried beside one another, as she wished. Five months ago, Albina moved to Florida to live with her son, Enrique, who was retired and able to care for her full time. She had loved ones with her when she passed.

Strong, feisty and independent, Albina was a cancer survivor and worked hard to provide for her family. She was a proud Texan all her life and loved watching westerns and Angels baseball games. She enjoyed listening to Elvis and reading autobiographies about old Hollywood stars. She was a devout Catholic and happy to call herself a member of Holy Family Cathedral in Orange. Most of all, she took pleasure in receiving cards, phone calls, and visits from family and friends—the small gestures that showed her loved ones cared.

She is survived by her sister, Isabela, six of her children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. They will be holding a viewing for Albina's family and friends at Saddleback Mortuary on August 16 5-9pm and a graveside service will be held at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery on August 17 at 10am.