Elvira G. Leal

Elvira G. Leal, age 87, went to be with the Lord May 18, 2014. She was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 22, 1926, to Pablo G. Garza and Felipa R. Garza. She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved brother, Paul Garza. She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Ambrosio C. Leal whom she married October 1, 1950, at San Fernando Cathedral and her loving sons, David J. Leal, M.B.A., Adrian C. Leal, Esq., and Daniel H. Leal, M.D. Her strong faith and devotion to God began with the example of her parents and continued with her primary education by Dominican nuns, and her private summer education by Mexican nuns exiled during the 1910 Mexican Revolution. She attended mass daily with her husband as long as her health permitted and was a devoted supporter of Catholic school education; she made sure her sons attended Catholic Schools. A pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Vatican with her husband further solidified her faith. She was a member of Our Lady of Grace Altar Society, Catholic Daughters of America, Monte Vista Historical Society, and Los Bexareos Hispanic Genealogical and Historical Society. She was a proud descendant of Spanish Conquistadors and the founding families of Monterrey, Mexico (1596). Her Texan roots included: her family owning a ranch in Duval County until 1881 and a large 19th Century stone home in San Diego, which was later used as a pharmacy. However, her great grandfather's family, due to safer and better living conditions, lived in Salinas Victoria, N.L., Mexico. A later generation of her family returned to Texas after the 1910 Mexican Revolution and owned and operated a grocery store, meat market, bakery, and pecan shelling business where she assisted her father and mother and learned business skills. A successful business woman, she owned and operated Rose Bud Beauty Salon for over 40 years and with her husband managed their rental properties. The family would like to thank Father Patrick Guidon, OMI, of Our Lady of Grace Church for his home visits over the last few years which brought great peace and joy to her and to thank friends and relatives for their prayers. Private religious services were held for the immediate family with internment at San Fernando II Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Catholic School, 205 W. Huisache Avenue, San Antonio, 78212