Emma Martinez Leal

Emma Martinez Leal was born August 8, 1915 in Helotes Texas and passed away peacefully on April 7, 2015 with her family at her bedside. She was preceded in death by her husband Walter Leal, her daughter Janie Leal-Almaraz, her great granddaughter Meghan McCormick, her great-great grandson Carson Walter Brooks, her parents Maximo Sr. and Jesusa Martinez, who were among the original Helotes pioneers, and nine siblings. She is survived by her son’s Robert Leal, Richard and Lucinda Leal, along with 7 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and friends

Emma married Walter Leal on August 15, 1934 in San Antonio, Texas and was happily married for 74 years. They were blessed with three children and returned to her birth place in Helotes upon her husband’s retirement in 1966. Emma was a loving wife and mother and an inspiration to all who knew her. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and loved to tell stories. Emma Leal had a successful career in sales while working her way up in the sales department at Solo-Serve department store in downtown San Antonio. She continued her career working at North Side School District at Helotes Elementary School where she retired after 10 years.

She loved the Lord and was a devoted member of the Helotes Hills United Methodist Church. Her passion was playing Bunco, Dominos, cards, and gardening. She also loved to cook for her family and friends and would make tamales every year at Christmas time. She will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday April 17, 2015 from 5pm to 9pm, with prayer service at 7:00pm, at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78238. Funeral services and her celebration of her life will be held Saturday April 18, 2015 at 9am at Helotes Hills United Methodist Church 13222 Bandera Road Helotes, Texas. Procession to follow to Polly’s Chapel Cemetery off State Highway 16 South, Privilege Creek, Texas. A reception in her honor will be held at Leon Springs Dance Hall, Leon Springs, Texas.