Alice Zaarour

Alice Zaarour, aged 82 died peacefully in Tracy, CA on October 14, 2017 with family beside her. Alice was born on July 1, 1935, in San Antonio, Texas, the daughter of the late Jesus and Guadalupe Ochoa.

Alice grew up in San Antonio, Texas along with mother, father, and her six siblings. As she matured, Alice learned about the world around her and began to find herself within that world. A strong personality, Alice was no pushover. Nor did she take lightly to anyone’s nonsense. She spoke decisively and directly, and did not hesitate to let you in on what she was thinking. Being one among a large family, it was no surprise that family would hold a special meaning for her. Her love and caring passion for her siblings and parents would blossom over into all aspects of her life. Alice would go on to develop an infectious desire to love and care for those who were dear to her. Whether she knew it or not, this trait would be passed on to those within her family and those who had the pleasure of even a simple conversation with her. Alice is survived by her siblings: Jessie Ochoa, Rachael Rodriguez and Leo Ochoa.

Alice entered her adult life; she came to encounter a young man, a struggling college student selling textiles door to door who had emigrated from his home country of Palestine. When he knocked on her door selling textiles, Alice answered and told him to come back later when her parents would be home. Little did she know she would soon discover him to be the love of her life. Joseph Butros Zaarour instantly fell head over heels for her: after all, Alice was a beautiful lady. After several visits to their home to meet her parents and after their courtship they were married in the fall of September 30, 1953. Together the two forged new family and waded through both the serene and perilous times of marriage and rearing children. Despite it all, there was no wife more devoted to her husband than Alice. May she rest in peace beside her husband, Joseph, as another beloved parent within God’s embrace. Alice and Joseph moved their family to San Francisco and were married for fifty-three years. They spent most of their years together in the Sunset District of San Francisco.

With both husband and wife coming from humble beginnings, it was no surprise that there were some difficult times. However, despite the adversities they faced, she spared no effort when it came to protecting and caring for her family. The word family had a special meaning for Alice. Family was everything to her, and her children always came first. She spared no expense, nor expected anything in return for her sacrifices. Alice gave and gave out of the goodness in her heart even if that meant she would be without. There was neither hesitation nor regret in her actions; so long as her children were happy she was happy. She loved and was loved in return by her children. She is survived by her children: Richard Zaarour, Samira (Alex) Ilyin, Esaam (Doreen) Zaarour and Samir (Irma) Zaarour.

It was no surprise that as her children grew up, and had children of their own, she would carry on with tradition. Alice once again loved with all her being and spared no effort to make sure her grandchildren were not without; again even at expense to herself. Alice was blessed to be able to watch her grandchildren grow into adulthood along with her great grandchildren that came after. Throughout her grandchildren’s growth, Alice bestowed upon them her best personality traits: patience, love, and selflessness. Alice is survived by her grandchildren: Joseph, Jusamia, Lindsey, Anthony, Valerie, Casandra, Haley and many great grandchildren.

While Alice leaves behind numerous family, relatives and friends we will be honoring her life and extend a warm welcome to all to help us celebrate her life.