Joyce Theresa (Sissy) Zapalac Bordages passed peacefully at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, in the early morning hours of July 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband, daughter, and special “adopted daughter,” Brandy Leslie.

Joyce was born on January 18, 1947, to George and Mary Zapalac in Smithville, Texas, where she grew up. Later, she moved to Houston to raise her family. She had a fulfilling career at Schlumberger before retiring in 2010.

Joyce was the kindest person and said everything as she saw it,out loud, but with love. She would say, “I’m gonna tell you what I think, and you won’t be mad at me.” She was an amazing mother who only cared to have her children become amazing people. Lord help us if we overserved ourselves. “Don’t ya’llthink you’ve had enough?” was a common question from Joyce. We were happy to have her as our keeper, and will miss her!

Joyce had a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh, which would light up a room. She and her sister Dot could be heard laughing wherever their adventures took them. Joyce loved shopping with her sisters in their younger years, and she continued until recently purchasing as many pairs of walking shoes as her husband, Louie, would buy. A trip to Marshalls with her daughter, Kelly, was always on the agenda when time permitted. Even when time didn’t permit, they went! When household repairs needed to be done, she was happy to allow Louie to be in charge while she shopped, only to quality-control the job when she returned.

In 2023, Joyce and Louie finally made it back to their place in Cistern, Texas, where they loved to host their kids and grandchildren on weekends to fish, hunt, and play. Joyce always insisted we take a “lunch break” when working on the property.In her later years, she enjoyed a Gator ride around their property to see what progress was being made.

Joyce was a devout Catholic. She enjoyed and insisted on attending Mass weekly and saying the Rosary daily, always praying for her family. We are all better off due to her prayers!She religiously participated in adorations at her church in Houston for over 15 years.

More than anything, Joyce was an amazing “Meme.” Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of her world. As much as they could come to visit, she would always be happy to have them there. Although in later years she could not play as much, she enjoyed their presence.

Preceding her in death were her parents and two sisters, Georgia Lee Ermis and Dorothy Ann Rollins, as well as her twin brother, George Zapalac Jr.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband, Louis (Louie); her children, Keith McPhaul, TJ Exline (Todd Exline), and Kelly Johnston (Robert Johnston); grandchildren, Austin McPhaul, Clay McPhaul, Terry Exline (Brittney), Travis Exline, Tamara Parish (Brandon), Tori Rogas (Trevor), Julie Smiley (Ray), andKylie Johnston; and great-grandchildren, Haelynn Parish, Audrey Smiley, John Paul (JP) Parish, Riley Exline, TaytumRogas, and Bryce Smiley. Baby Boy Rogas was awaited and already loved.

Visitation will take place Thursday, July 23, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.,with Rosary at 7 p.m., at the Mars-Jones Funeral Home, 110 American Legion Rd., Smithville, Texas, 78957.

The funeral service will be on Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m., at St Paul’s Catholic Church, 203 Mills St., Smithville, Texas, 78957, with burial immediately following at Oak Hill Cemetery.