It is with great sorrow to announce, Lisa Ann (Labandeira) Leoni, of Riverdale, CA was called home by the Father on April 26, 2019 unexpectedly at her home. Lisa was born September 6, 1967 in Hanford, CA.
Lisa is survived by her son Matthew Leoni, her mother Dolores Labandeira, her sister Diane Coburn, her brother John Labandeira and his wife Janene, and her twin sister Linda Labandeira. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and great nieces, Lindsay, Kristin, Leann, Haley, Madeline, Caynbrya and Shyanne. She is predeceased by her much-loved father Johnny Labandeira and nephew Christopher.
After many years working in the ag-business field where Lisa made lifelong friends, she returned to school to pursue her degree in education, an accomplishment which made her so proud. Her work at Caruthers High School with special needs children brought her challenges, but much joy. She often spoke of the students, staff and educators, whom to her, were like an extended family.
But for Lisa, her own family was everything. She loved her family to the depth of her being, but none quite as much as her sweet son Matthew. Lisa enjoyed spending time with him, even if only watching his favorite programs trying to understand Star Wars. Every year she looked forward to a vacation with her son to the coast, one of her favorite places to visit. Nothing is quite as peaceful she would say as watching the waves roll in. Lisa liked social media to keep up with family and friends. She would often end her texts with her expression of love for you as “I love you to the moon and back” or many emoji hearts. But for those who received these messages we knew that Lisa’s love for you couldn’t simply be measured in miles or cartoon hearts because it was boundless.
Lisa will be greatly missed by her friends and family. While we are saddened by our loss, we realize we will all be reunited one day.
The family invites donations in Lisa's name to St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital. The funeral mass and rosary will be officiated by Father Richard, on Thursday, May 16 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, 20855 S Fatima Ave, Laton, California, 93242.
