Beatriz "Papoose" Zapata went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 22, 2015.

A memorial mass will be celebrated Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at 11 O'clock in the morning at San Lorenzo Catholic Church. Concluding services and inurnment will follow at San Lorenzo Cemetery, Father Roberto Barreto officiating.

She was born June 28, 1956, to Manuel and Josie "Güera" Zapata.

She graduated from Cobre High School in 1974 and attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. In 1981, she joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia, Kan., making her first vows in 1983. She was a sister for 24 years. While in the convent, she touched many lives, truly making a difference to the families she helped. She was loved by all who knew her. She left the convent in 2000 and went to live in Montana.

She is survived by her partner, Mary Liz Rondeaux, and her family; mother, Josie"Güera" Zapata of San Lorenzo; brother, Johnny Zapata (Nicki) of Mimbres; sisters, Martha Mares (Robert) of Bayard and Sylvia Zapata of San Lorenzo; a very special niece, Maria Zapata; nephews, Johnny Zapata, Johnny Zapata III, Andrew Mares, Joshua Mares and Andres Ortiz; nieces, Sarah Sandoval, Mireya Zapata, Mariah Rodriguez, Victoria Torres, Kaitlyn Torres, Crystal Herrera, Madelyn Mares and Bralyn Rodriguez; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Manuel A. Zapata.