Obituary of Itza Z. Long

Itza Zepeda Long (1943 – 2021) WESLACO - Itza Zepeda Long, 77, a loving daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother, left this earth to sing with the angels on Thursday morning, September 16th, 2021, after a tough battle with colon cancer. She was preceded in death by her father, Felipe C. Zepeda and her mother, Irma Perez Zepeda. She is survived by her brother, Phillip Zepeda, her two daughters, Mitzie Long and Magdalena (Hal) Blethroad, and her four grandchildren, Kyle Stewart, Courtney (Christopher) Gonsalves, SallieMae and Caitlyn Blethroad. Itza was born in Alice, Texas on December 8th, 1943, to Irma Perez Zepeda and Felipe Zepeda. At 18 months old, Itza was struck with polio and then developed a neurological disorder called Epilepsy from the high fever, but she never let it bring her down. She was active throughout her young life in both junior high and high school marching band and choir. Known as “Mama Itza” to many loved ones, she was a joyful and loving mother and grandmother. Itza’s name comes from the ancient Aztec word for “rainbow woman,” and she lived up to that name everyday. Her beautiful smile and melodious voice will be remembered by all of those who knew her. A celebration of her life will be hosted by her family at New Life Baptist Church in Weslaco, Texas on September 25th at 11AM with a simple lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, Itza requested a donation be made to the Epilepsy Foundation Central and South Texas, to Macedonian Christian Academy, or to New Life Baptist Church.