Antonia “Toña” was one of eight children, born in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to her loving parents, Leonardo Zavala and Selsa Palomo. It was there that she met the love of her life, married, and later migrated to the United States to build a life with her family.
Antonia embodied the true meaning of a Mama Bear — fiercely protective and endlessly devoted. She fought hard for everything she had and approached life with strength and determination. Known for her quick wit and vibrant spirit, she loved making people laugh, going on long drives, and getting lost on spontaneous adventures with her beloved husband. Though she had a tough exterior, her heart was pure gold. She was a passionate nurturer who deeply cherished her daughters and grandchildren who called her "Mama Toña".
Antonia is survived by her daughters: Laura Soto and her husband Raul Lara; Eva Soto Vega and her husband John Vega; Rosa Fernandez and her husband Sal Fernandez; and Karina Soto. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Ryann and her husband Justin Castro, Nathan Hernandez, Christian Soto and his wife Nicole Soto, Serenity Soto, Isaiah Lara, Adahlia and Noah Fernandez, Mia and Giana Pacheco, and Eli Cuturrufo. Her great-grandchildren include Roman and Cruz Castro, Riley and Malia Hernandez, and Abel and Olivia Soto.
She was preceded in death by her siblings Leonardo, Raquel, and Socorro, as well as her grandson Antonio Alberto Merida, and beloved husband, Alberto Soto.
A visitation for Antonia will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Room E at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. A visitation will occur Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM in Chapel of the Roses, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125, follow by a rosary at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A visitation will occur Friday, May 2, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM in Chapel of the Roses, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. A funeral service will occur Friday, May 2, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125. A committal service will occur Friday, May 2, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125.
