Marie Zapata Lazo

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church for Taft resident, Marie Zapata Lazo, 89. Rev. Msgr. Loydell J. Marth, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church will be the celebrant and will lead the recitation of the Rosary preceding the Mass. Burial will follow in the West Side District Cemetery. Mrs. Lazo was born on March 11, 1911 in San Antonio, Texas and passed away comfortably in her home on July 9, 2000, ending an ongoing struggle with cancer. Marie spent her early years in San Antonio and moved to Bakersfield in 1954. She worked for the French Shop, Brocks and Brocks West Chester in the alterations department and later on at the Bakersfield Hospital Supply as a surgical fitter. She loved cooking and sewing and designed much of her own clothing as well as that of her daughter and granddaughter. Painting was also a passion for Marie; her skill and joy for works in oil are displayed proudly on the walls of the Bench residence. She retired in 1979 to begin her journey as a new grandmother, helping to raise two grandchildren in Taft, where she had resided since 1993. Mrs. Lazo was preceded in death by her husband, Alejandro R. "Nick" Lazo in June, 1993. Her death concludes her generation of the Zapata clan. She was the last of eight children to survive descendents of the famous Emilio Zapata. Mrs. Lazo is survived by her daughter and her husband, Alice and John Bench of Taft; her two grandchildren, Regina and Jonathan Bench of Taft; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. In lieu of flowers, the John Bench Family asks those wishing to make donations may do so to the American Cancer Society Research Fund or the Optimal Hospice Care. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at the Erickson & Brown Funeral Home on Wednesday from 3 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and again on Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.