Luisa Pelina Zapanta

Luisa Pelina Zapanta, age 83, of Arbutus, Maryland passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2022. Luisa was born July 22, 1939 in Ternate, Philippines to parents Hilario Pelina (Dad) and Gregoria Icasiano (Mom). She was one of their eleven children. Luisa graduated from Philippine Normal College, class of 1962 in Manila, Philippines. Soon after graduation, she began teaching in a remote Philippine village before moving to the U.S. in 1968. After a courtship that began in Ternate, Luisa married Armando Zapanta in 1965. They celebrated 57 years of marriage this past June. They were blessed with two sons, Armando “Jay” Zapanta Jr. and Demetrio “Larry” Zapanta.

Luisa dedicated over 45 years educating young minds. She began as a teacher at Ascension Catholic School before retiring as the vice principal at Our Lady of Victory in 2013. Luisa was loved and adored by all of her students and faculty.

Luisa had many hobbies including teaching Filipino folk dancing, traveling, spending time with family and friends and being an active member of her church. One of her most cherished past times was spending time with her grandchildren.

Luisa is grieved by all and survived by; Her husband, Armando Zapanta and children Jay and Joy (daughter-in-law) Zapanta, Larry and Jeterra (daughter-in-law) Zapanta; dear siblings Antonio Pelina, Corazon Rosanes, Luzviminda Mata and Buenaventura Pelina; cherished grandchildren Tasayeh Nickens, Demetrio "Meechie" Zapanta, Jr., Aiden Zapanta, and Addison Zapanta. Luisa is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews across the globe.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, Inc., 7250 Washington Blvd., Elkridge, Maryland 21075 (Exit 6 South off Route 100) on Friday, September 2, 2022 from 6:00 - 9:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady Victory Church, 4414 Wilkens Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21229. Interment private.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.garylkaufmanfuneralhome.com for the Zapanta family.