Azucena "Zeni" Aprecio Alcantara, 81, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, at her home in Hollywood, Maryland.

Zeni was born on October 11, 1943, in Binangonan, Rizal, Philippines, to the late Bonifacio and Ernesta (Cervo) Aprecio. A proud graduate at just 18, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Philippine Normal College in 1962, and later attained her Master of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Reading from McDaniel College.

In 1967, Zeni left her beloved Philippines for Montreal, Canada, where she embarked on a career as an elementary school teacher in languages. It was in Montreal at a social gathering where she caught the eye for her lifelong love and partner, Romeo "Romy" Alcantara. They married in Connecticut in 1969, and together raised two daughters, Rosanna and Rebekah.

As a devoted Navy wife, Zeni continued her calling as an educator, teaching at both Catholic and public elementary and middle schools across Connecticut, Florida, and Maryland. She retired in 2011 after 41 years of inspiring students, including 32 years with St. Mary's County Public Schools.

Zeni was a woman of many talents and passions. She spoke several languages, including Tagalog, English, Italian, Spanish and French; and she loved to travel the world with friends and family. As a patron of the fine arts, she ensured her daughters were cultured in ballet, piano, and theater. She was an avid reader, gifted pianist, and also enjoyed singing, dancing and painting. Her love for her Filipino culture shone through when she belonged to the Patuxent River Filipino-American Club, teaching traditional folk dances to the community, and performing folk dances at numerous cultural events. By the time Zeni had grandchildren, she had picked up ballroom dancing with Arthur Murray Dance Studio, and competed alongside Romy in multiple ballroom dancing events for over ten years.

Although she lived with dementia for many years, her family will always remember her as a devoted wife, mother, and proud grandmother whose every joy was to spend time with her grandchildren.

Zeni is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Romeo; daughter, Rosanna (Stephen Schluth); daughter Rebekah; sister, Jazmin (Conrad); brother, Bonifacio (Bebeth) and her treasured grandchildren: Zachary, Ana, Eva, and Sophia Schluth.

Family will receive friends Friday 6 June 2025 from 10:00am to 11:00am at St.John's Francis Regis Catholic Church, 43927 St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD 20636. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00am, celebrated by Father Braam.

Zeni's absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her light will live on in the stories we tell and the kindness we share.