April 23, 1951 - February 22, 2021
Elizabeth (Liz) Holguin Vasquez Zulueta lost her courageous battle against cancer on February 22, 2021. She was born on April 23, 1951, at San Joaquin General Hospital in French Camp to Ramona Holguin Vasquez and Filemon Vasquez. She grew up in Terminous, CA and attended Terminous Grammar School. Liz attended Lodi High School where she lettered in women's softball, and graduated as part of the class of 1969. She earned an Associates Degree from San Joaquin Delta College in 1971, and a Bachelor's of Art in Social Services from San Jose State University in 1975.
Liz got her first job out of college with San Joaquin County. She married the love of her life Joseph (Joe) Zulueta in 1974. After a few years, she sought better opportunities with the City of Stockton. She gave birth to her first son, Joseph Michael Zulueta, in May of 1979. Four (4) years later, in October of 1983, she gave birth to her second son, Brandon Vasquez Zulueta. She continued to work for several years with the City and forged many lifelong friendships along the way, before taking a position at her former alma mater, San Joaquin Delta College, as the Director of Human Resources. Liz retired from the College after fifteen (15) years. In her retirement she continued to contribute as a board member of California’s Valued Trust.
To her extended family and many friends, who were considered like family, Liz is remembered for her encouraging words, endearing friendship, and caring heart. She always had a kind word for those who knew her, or thoughtful advice and an open mind to those who sought her in confidence. She was a wife, a mom, an auntie, and a friend. She enjoyed gardening, softball, and bowling, teaching her grandkids, and the views of Yosemite. She was known for delicious cooking, famous for her salsa, chile colorado, and biscochitos.
She is survived by her husband of forty-seven (47) years, Joseph Zulueta, her two sons Brandon and Joseph Michael (Debby) and two grandchildren (Cadence and Cesar). She is also survived by her brothers and sisters; Flordeliza Lowrence, Conception (Connie) Sawdey, Pilar Tanga, Eugene Vasquez, Rebecca (Becky) Vasquez, Filemon (Kai) Vasquez and Edmund Vasquez, and many nieces and nephews she welcomed and loved as her own.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Zulueta family.