Maria Dolores (Vasquez) Leos

May 8, 1932 – August 12, 2022

Maria Dolores Vasquez Leos returned to our Lord in the early morning hours on Friday, August 12, 2022. She died peacefully in her home surrounded by love. Maria was born on May 8, 1932 in Corbet Texas to Soledad Vasquez and Faustina Granados. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Faustino S. Leos Sr, her son David Leos, her parents Soledad Vasquez and Faustina Granados, her siblings Manuel Vasquez, Refugio Vasquez Martinez, Saturnino (Pete) Vasquez, Maria Soledad (Chole) Aldama, and Maria (Mary) Yankee.

She is survived by her children: son Faustino Leos and wife Gayle, son Victor Leos and wife Barbara, daughter Mary Ann Leos, daughter Linda Aurora Highwood, daughter Sara Christina Leos, son Marc Leos and wife Linda, son Martin Leos and wife Jeane, and daughter in law Darlene Leos. She is survived by 31 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Joseph Vasquez and wife Patti, sister Josephine Gonzalez and husband Celestino (Tino), sister Petra Collins, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Maria was a strong and extraordinary woman. She was born during the Great Depression. She spoke of several iconic events in our nation’s history. She married in 1950 and with her husband Faustino, raised eight children. In her spare time she loved to bake, read, volunteer, crochet, make preserves, collect crystal, care for her plants, and pray the rosary. This was especially true after her children were grown and she had the luxury of time.

Maria spent precious time with her grandchildren who knew her affectionately as Granny. As her great grandchildren were born, she relished in her legacy. Her eyes sparkled each time she gazed upon her great grandchildren. She was their beloved “Bisa”.

Maria’s Catholic faith was strong. She insisted on her children having a Catholic school education and volunteered in the parish and cafeteria. She trusted our God and knew He would maintain her. Through Him, she emanated strength, perseverance, and generosity. She loved praying, and prayed her rosaries fervently every day. She was devoted to the Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and St. Martin, her patron saint.

As she aged, she loved to watch Frank Sinatra and John Wayne movies and grew to be a fan of novellas. She watched the news daily and kept up with current events. She relished watching soccer (futbal) and MMA boxing. On any given night, one could hear the news and her novellas, soccer, or boxing emanating from her room. Her favorite soccer team was the Mexican National Football team and their star player Chicharito. While watching her favorites, you might find her savoring a coca cola and honey bun.

Maria passed away on her husband Faustino’s birthday. No doubt he was waiting for her with open arms with their son David by his side. It is never possible to define a person completely in this venue, or describe how much they were loved and will be missed. Suffice to say, our beloved mother made a difference in the lives of so many. Words cannot describe the void she leaves behind and how much she will be missed. Yet her legacy continues. One of her favorite sayings was “Let us not simply exist, let us live”. In her honor we promise to do just that.

A visitation for Maria will be held Sunday, August 21, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 9654 - Anderson-Clayton-Gonzalez Funeral Home Chapel, 1111 MILITARY PKWY, MESQUITE, TX 75149. A rosary service will occur Sunday, August 21, 2022 at 3:30 PM, 1111 MILITARY PKWY, MESQUITE, TX 75149. A reception will occur Sunday, August 21, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Anderson-Clayton-Gonzalez Funeral Home, 1111 MILITARY PKWY, MESQUITE, TX 75149. A funeral service will occur Monday, August 22, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Divine Mercy of Our Lord Catholic Church, 1585 E. Cartwright Rd., Mesquite, TX 75149. A committal service will occur Monday, August 22, 2022 at 12:00 PM at Calvary Hill Memorial Park, 3235 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, TX 75220.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.andersonclaytongonzalez.com for the Leos family.