Ernestina Bazan Zegar (77) of Oaxaca, Mexico passed away on January 22, 2022 while surrounded by loved ones in St. Louis, Missouri.

Ernestina was the beloved daughter of the late Elias Bazan Ramirez and Telesflora Altamirano Vasquez; dearest mother - preceded in death by her son, Sergio Zegar; and survived by her daughters, Christine Zegar, Linda Pedroza, Maribel Zegar and Irma Jara. Loving grandmother of Jonathan Sultzman, James Arnold, Kayla Ricketts, Chrissy Mares, Devin Madden, Moses Mares, Marissa klingert, Sophia Zegar, Elias Jara, Mateo Zegar, Irma Zegar and Jesus Zegar. Dear great-grandmother of 14.

Born on November 11, 1944 in the small village of Valdeflores in Oaxaca, Mexico, Ernestina (also know as Ernestine, Ernie; Mama or La Gran Senora) had the type of childhood that would later describe her personality - Tough. This tough upbringing became the source of resilience and grit that would allow her to come to the United States in the 60's and build an empire. A single mother of five, Ernestina opened her first of several restaurants in 1976 while attending night school to attain her citizenship. Acapulco Restaurant and Lounge has since been well-known in the community of St. Ann for it's great Mexican food; and for being the place that everyone can call home.

Holding a position with the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce for many years, Ernestina regularly contributed to the community and received multiple business awards as a pioneer of the Hispanic community. She touched many lives in ways that we will never know with her regality and wisdom. Ernestina will be deeply missed by family, friends and anyone that knew her. A true matriarch, her legacy will live on in the people she inspired and generations to come.

Visitation for Ernestina will be held Friday, January 29, from 2:00-8:00 PM at COLLIER'S Funeral Home, 3400 N. Lindbergh Blvd. (St. Ann). On Saturday, January 29th, we will meet at Collier's at 9:00 AM for a procession to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 1115 S. Florissant Rd. (63121) for a 10:00 AM Mass.

After Mass, another procession will be led through the parking lot of Acapulco Restaurant, 10114 St. St. Charles Rock Rd. (St. Ann) to her final resting place at Fee Fee Cemetery, 11210 Old St. Charles Rock Rd. (Bridgeton).

Finally, we will gather at Acapulco for mariachi music, food, drinks and fellowship.