Dolores Marie Zamora, lovingly known as “Dukes,” a nickname given to her by her father and those closest to her, was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She passed away on December 19, 2025, at the age of 65.

Marie was the eldest daughter of Rafael and Patricia Zamora, Sr., whom she loved deeply and carried in her heart throughout her life. From an early age, she naturally stepped into a role of strength, care, and leadership that would define who she was. As the eldest daughter, she had many roles in the upbringing of her younger siblings, which at times were not very easy. Marie’s patience with her siblings laid the foundation for her in becoming a mom.

Her heart belonged to her sons and grandchildren. Her eyes lit up each time she saw them and spoke of them. She was a very proud mother and an even prouder grandmother, and she would do anything for them all. Her patience and love also extended to the children of her community. She coached T-ball and football for local youth groups, welcoming every child as her own. Though they began as strangers, by the end of the season, they were lovingly known as her mijos and mijas. She believed in them, guided them, and celebrated them, leaving a lasting imprint on countless young lives.

Marie attended West High School, where she played volleyball and was a proud member of the school band, beginning a lifelong love of music and community. A gifted musician, Marie played many different instruments and shared her talents by joining a mariachi band, bringing joy, culture, and connection to all who heard her play. Music was not just something she performed, it was part of who she was. If you had a chance to listen to music with Marie, she would tell you not just to listen, but to feel the music, to feel the words being sung, and truly enjoy them. Her love for music ranged from Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Elvis Presley, Santana, Oldies, Tejano, and mariachi music, just to name a few. In reality, she enjoyed all genres and styles of music.

Marie also loved cheering on her favorite teams, especially the Kansas City Royals, and was a die-hard Raiders fan through and through. Game days were never just about the score, they were about joy, loyalty, and shared moments. She also enjoyed watching and at times participating in pick-up games of basketball, softball, and at times football. She loved the outdoors, and one of her favorite pastimes was going fishing.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Rafael and Patricia Zamora, Sr.; her beloved grandson, Emiliano Gomez; her brothers, Timothy Zamora and Raphael Zamora; and her nephew, Michael Martinez, whom she now joins in God’s loving embrace.

She is survived by her sons, Phillip “PJ” III and Braulio “Bobbo” Gomez; her treasured grandchildren, Phillip IV Gomez and Viviana Gomez; her brothers, Pat, Jay, Pedro (Helen), Tino, Porfirio, Chuck (Jayne), and Ray (Michelle); her sisters, Tina, Sally (Felix), Lina (Rob), Rita (Jonatan), Juanita (Clark), Mickey (Greg), Mary Ellen (Joe), and Yeni; and many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

She is also survived by her many dear friends, friends who became family, whose lives were enriched by her laughter, kindness, and unwavering loyalty. To them, and to all whose lives she touched, she will forever be remembered as “Dukes,” a name that carried her strength, warmth, and love. All who knew her will carry her memory forward.

From her son, PJ:

Mom, there were times I did not understand you, times I judged instead of listened, and times I was embarrassed instead of grateful. I see now how wrong I was. You loved us the only way you knew how, and you never stopped. No matter what you were going through, you always made sure Bobbo and I were okay. That kind of love does not make noise, it just shows up every time. No matter how many lifetimes it takes to feel your warmth, your comfort, and your love again, I would live them all just to be your son once more. I love you to infinity, Mom. Always.

From her son, Bobbo:

Growing up, we might not have had the finest things the world has to offer, but one thing my mom made sure we always knew we had, something money cannot buy, was her unconditional love. I never saw anyone work as hard as my mom. She would be up by 5:00 a.m. getting ready for work, and I remember because she would put on Speed Racer for me on the TV. There were no limits to how far my mom would go to make sure we were alright, no matter the circumstances or conditions. No matter the mistakes that were made, she made sure we learned and still enjoyed our time together. Ever since I can remember, and I will never forget, “to infinity and beyond” is how much my mom would say she loved us. That is how strong the love was that she blessed us with, and I know it will always be with us.

Though she is no longer with us in body, we take comfort in knowing she will be remembered for her generosity, her laughter, her music, and the way she made everyone feel like family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the children she mentored, and the love she shared so freely. Her love remains our guide.

“The Lord called her home, but her love stays with us forever.”

“Alright Sis! Hollar at you later. Bless yourself. Love you, Sis.”

“To infinity and beyond! Love you.”

A Celebration of Life Mass for Marie will be held on:

February 28, 2026

10:00 a.m. – Visitation and Rosary

11:00 a.m. – Mass

Our Lady Guadalupe Shrine

901 Avenida Cesar E Chavez

Kansas City, MO 64108

Immediately following the Mass, all are invited to join the family in the church basement for a meal in Marie’s honor.

Her interment will take place at a later date and will be announced once scheduled.