She would light up a room with her smile and contagious laugh. Yolanda’s larger than life personality allowed her to eventually follow her passion of being an entertainer.
Her music career started back in high school, where she participated in HHS acappella choir. From there her passion for music grew and blossomed into a career that not only provided joy to the world, but a life for her family. She also lent her voice to multiple church choirs. She formed a gospel group with her husband Alphonso and close friend Gloria Leston providing comfort for those who were grieving with her voice at funerals and viewings. She performed between the 1980s through the mid 1990s with ”Old Friends” at weddings, backyard parties, festivals, the Jerry Lewis Telethon and she ROCKED on the weekends at various night spots. After Old Friends, Yolanda began moonlighting as a DJ rocking weekend nightspots, weddings and backyard parties. She was later known as “La Girlfriend”.
As a devoted Catholic, Yolanda’s service to Her Holiness Mama Mary & His Sacred Heart Our Lord, has given her strength to conquer challenges that she had to confront and overcome. Through Yolanda she has energized prayers in healing. Her energy and light provided comfort to those who sought it from her. Together with her husband, Yolanda taught her children how to seek comfort and guidance within their faith and themselves. She taught them how to love, forgive and the importance of family.
Yolanda leaves behind her Husband of 47 years, Alphonso L. Leal Sr. and their five children and families -
• Daughter - Maree Celestia Leal-Sparkman and Husband Ben Sparkman
• Son - Alphonso L. Leal Jr. and his 2 daughters - Faith & Serenity Leal
• Daughter - Gabriella Leal-Ruth and Husband Derick Ruth; and their three children Kaylee Elizabeth, Kara Maree , Khristiane Gabriella Ruth
• Son – Martin Leal
• Daughter - Yolanda Luciana Leal Deloy - and Husband Jeremy Deloy; and their two children Anastasia Luciana & Isabella Grace Deloy
She leaves behind her three sisters - Ninfa Gaytan, Carmen Zamarron and Ofelia Pena.
Multiple nieces and nephews whom she loved deeply. Marty Pena, Ronnie Gaytan, Joella Gaytan, Marie Bernadett and Micheal Zamarron.
Her Aunt Guadelupe Lopez-Medina and multiple cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents Martin and Francesca Pena; her first husband Carlos Delgado; and her niece Erika Rivas.
