Desiree Ann Zaballero

Desiree Ann Zaballero was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1975, but Desi’s true childhood began in Dallas, Texas, where she spent her first ten joyous years. Desi was an athlete from a young age. She was on the school drill team and also played soccer and basketball throughout grade school. In Texas, Desi made lifelong friends and spent cherished years with a big extended family.

Desi finished middle school and began high school in Durham, North Carolina, where she continued her athletic pursuits, especially in soccer. She scored the first ever goal for the Riverside High School Pirates girls soccer team and was active in creating the school yearbook. She was known for her infectious joy and magical way of bringing all together.

Desi was also a lifelong artist. She loved taking hikes along the Eno River and enjoyed being in nature for inspiration. She was skilled at photography, guitar, and sketching. Her art reflected what she loved most.

Desi earned a scholarship to play soccer at Agnes Scott College outside of Decatur, Georgia. Though she got sick shortly after, she persisted in finishing her graphic design degree and graduated from Meredith College in 2002.

Together with her parents, Desiree visited the Philippines, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, France, Spain, and Italy. She enjoyed cruising. For her 50th birthday, Desi traveled to Cancun to spend time with dear friends.

Deeply spiritual, she was a parishioner and community member at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for years. Desi enjoyed volunteering at the Duke Eye Center explaining art exhibits to visitors. She was also an art teacher aide at Immaculate Conception School. Desiree loved making jewelry and creating beautiful pieces for people. Desi loved being a part of the community in Durham, where she spent most of her life. For herself, she made her townhome in Durham a personal and special place.

Desiree is survived by her beloved parents, Jorge and Linda Zaballero; her younger sister, Alexandra, her brother-in-law, Barry; her nephews Henry, David, and Steven; and a large extended family of titas, titos, and cousins on both her mother and father’s sides throughout the world.