Velia Zapata passed away at home on May 17, 2026, at the age of 94, with her loving husband of 66 years by her side.

Velia was born on January 16, 1932, in Guadalupe County, Texas, to Jose Angel Campos and Juana Herrera Campos. She was a lifelong resident of New Braunfels, Texas. On July 18, 1960, she married the love of her life, Emiliano Zapata. Together they built a beautiful life centered around family, friendship, generosity, and love. Their home became a gathering place for generations of loved ones. The door was always open, the kitchen was always busy, and everyone who visited felt welcomed and cared for.

Velia worked as a seamstress before becoming a homemaker. She lovingly followed and supported Emiliano throughout his 22 years serving in the United States Air Force. Together they eventually opened an upholstery business. Velia was hardworking, talented, creative, and took pride in doing things the right way. She and Emiliano shared a joyful life filled with decades of beautiful memories. They formed lifelong friendships and deeply valued the relationships they built over the years.

Velia loved traveling with Emiliano to Puerto Rico to visit his family, who became her family as well. From the very beginning, she was loved and embraced by them, just as they were by her. Those who knew Velia knew how deeply she and Emiliano loved and cared for one another through every season of life. She had a warm and playful spirit and would light up a room with her smile and laughter. She was a wonderful cook who showed her love through the meals she prepared and the way she brought people together around her table. She also loved spending time in her sewing room sewing and crafting, often getting together with cousins, neighbors, and friends to create thoughtful handmade gifts for her loved ones and decorations for her home. She loved the holidays and took great pride in decorating her home each Christmas, including her beloved Christmas village that became a special tradition her family looked forward to every year. In her later years, she enjoyed embroidery, puzzles, long car rides with her husband, looking at the deer throughout town, sitting outside together, playing marbles with friends, and spending time surrounded by loved ones.

Velia is survived by her devoted husband, Emiliano Zapata; her sons, Juan Martinez and wife Barbara and Richard Zapata and wife Michaela; grandchildren Michael Martinez and wife Mena, Andrea Guerra, Stephani Rodriguez and husband Ethan, and Stephin Zapata and wife Jen; great-grandchildren Colin, Gabriella, and Abigail Martinez, Lily Guerra, Riyah and Olivia Rodriguez, and Emil Zapata; sisters Esther Torres, Juana Lussier, and Licha Copado; brothers Abram Campos and Jose Campos; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and many cherished friends, including Rocky and Elvira Villarreal.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jose Angel Campos and Juana Herrera Campos; her grandson Edward Martinez; sisters Maria Moreno and Eva Alvarez; and brothers Gilberto and Manuel Campos.

Velia's strength, warmth, hard work, sense of humor and unwavering love left a lasting impact on her children, grandchildren, and everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Please sign the guestbook at www.doeppenschmidtfuneralhome.com