Magdalena was born in Rodeo, Durango, Mexico on July 22, 1936, to her late parents Emiliano Soto and Margarita Quiñonez.

She graduated from Dirección General de Educación Publica and continued on to receive a business degree from La Academia Comercial in Lerdo, Durango.

She married Paul Zavala Jr. on Dec. 30, 1962. They had five children and were married for 59 years.

Magdalena, (also known to many as ‘Maggie’) worked as a cashier, a greeter and snack bar manager for Wal-Mart for more than 26 years. Magdalena enjoyed her daily coffee and sweet bread with friends and family.

She loved to dance with her husband Paul at local dances, listen to Mariachi music and visit with friends and her family in Mexico. She was also actively involved in Our Lady of Guadalupe Guadalupanas, where she served as president for many years.

Magdalena is survived by her children Gabriel (Rosie) Zavala, Magdalena (Nena) Zavala, Paul Zavala III, Martin X.

Zavala, and Margaret (Mike) Sanchez; seven grandchildren, Julian (Kourtney), Alexis, Cameron Sanchez, Vanessa A.D. Zavala, Gabriella Zavala, Morgan and Demi Larson; seven greatgrandchildren; and numerous loving nieces and nephews; a brother Antoño Soto. Magdalena is preceded in death by her husband Paul Zavala Jr.

A Visitation for Maria will be held Monday, May 19, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at Condra Funeral Home, Taylor, Texas.

A Rosary will occur Monday, May 19, 2025, at 7 p.m., Taylor, Texas.

A Funeral Mass will occur Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe, Taylor, Texas. Burial will follow at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery, Taylor, Texas.

Julian Sanchez, Cameron Sanchez, Seth Robledo, Marcus Medina, Lance Morales and Richard Hood will serve as pallbearers.

Magdalena will truly be missed by her family and friends. They will miss her unconditional love and beautiful smile.