Graciela Frias Leija

Chelita as she was affectionately called was a member of the Cursillo “De Colores” of San Francisco Javier Church. She also participated with the youth Cursillo and Search groups. She was also a past member of the directors group in the Cursillo movement under Father V. Manente and a catechist for many years. Chelita had a passion for doing yarn work, taking care of her pets, watching sports on TV and playing bingo at the Santa Maria Adult Day Care Center where one year she was crowned Queen of the Center.

Mrs. Leija is preceded in death by her husband, Cayetano Leija, son-in-law, Leocadio Flores Sr.; and daughter-in-law Pearl G. Leija. She is also preceded in death by her mother, Maria Isabel Chavarria; father, Samuel Frias; step-father, Ramiro Trevino; brother, Samuel Frias, Jr.; sisters, Selvia F. Flores, Dolores F. Martinez, Elda F. Coronado, Myrna Trevino, and Berta Trevino; and sister-in-law, Aurora Frias.

Mrs. Leija is survived by her daughters, Guadalupe Flores, Maricela Perez, and Adriana Mena and her husband Oscar; sons, Cayetano Leija, Jr., Mario Leija, and Jaime Leija and his wife Ramona. Mrs. Leija is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Guillermo Flores, Aurelio Martinez, and Luis Coronado. Also surviving Gracie are numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, a great-great grandson, nieces, and nephews.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, the 25th of June, in the chapel of Joe Jackson Funeral Home, 1900 Springfield in Laredo. The recitation of the Holy Rosary is to commence at seven o’clock.

The Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at ten o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 26th of June, at San Francisco Javier Catholic Church, 2502 Zaragoza Street in Laredo, where Rev. William Davis, OMI, Pastor, is to serve as celebrant.

The Rite of Christian Burial is to follow, via an escorted cortege, at Catholic Calvary Cemetery in Laredo.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Mrs. Leija’s memory may be directed to San Francisco Javier Catholic Church, 2502 Zaragoza St., Laredo, TX, 78040.