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Lillian Zaragoza, "Salsa Mom", 77, of Statesville, NC, and formerly of Brooklyn, NY, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, August 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 15, 1948, in Brooklyn, NY, daughter of the late Isabel and Isidoro Valles. Survived by: Husband, Fernando Zaragoza; sons, Fernando Zaragoza, Ramon Jimenez, Daughters, Deserie & Melinda, Grand children, Sharahya, Nikki, Devin, Gabrielle, Gianna, and Aaron. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Forever remain in our hearts. Prayer: Heavenly Father, the Head of our lives, We ask you to walk through our hearts and our homes. Rebuke and bind all that is not of you and cancel every assignment set against our family. Take away worry, illness, and pain. Bless the work of our hands and watch over our loved ones. Continue to comfort us in this time of loss and surround our family and friends with peace. Make us more like You, Lord, and keep the memory of our beloved Lillian Zaragoza, shining bright. In Jesus' name, Amen. Outgoing by nature, Lillian never met a stranger. She cherished entertaining family and friends, always cooking more than enough delicious food for everyone to enjoy. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she learned early the value of self-sufficiency quality that guided her throughout her life. Lillian loved holidays, cooking, dancing, and traveling, and anything that gave her the chance to gather her loved ones around a full table. With a deep appreciation for nature, her favorite place-aside from her home-was the dance floor. An early riser, she often began her mornings with a warm cup of coffee as she watched the sunrise and ended her evenings on the patio with a glass of wine at sunset. Above all, family was the most important part of her life. She will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She leaves behind her husband of 50 years, Fernando Zaragoza; sons, Fernando Zaragoza and Ramon Jimenez; daughters, Deserie and Melinda; grandchildren, Sharahya, Nikki, Devin, Gabrielle, Gianna, and Aaron; and great-grandchild, Marianna. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the home of Lillian and Fernando on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, physicians, and staff of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, as well as to her beloved husband, family, and friends, for the compassionate and unwavering care and support they provided. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is proudly serving the Zaragoza family.

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Lillian Zaragoza

February 15, 1948 - August 26, 2025