Leila Esther Casiano

She was born on December 17, 1939 in Yauco, Puerto Rico to Juan and Esther Casiano.

Leila Casiano moved to New York City at the age of five with her mother and siblings, settling in Manhattan. She worked at Saint Luke’s Hospital as a bill collector and, after separating from her husband, spent several years as a dedicated single mother to her four children.

In 1981, Leila made a life-changing decision to take the Washington, D.C. government test, which she passed. This led to a new career with the Department of Commerce. She relocated to the 7 Corners area in Arlington, Virginia, where she and her children began a new chapter and a fresh start in life.

Proud of her Puerto Rican heritage, Leila was active in the Small Business Administration in support of Puerto Rico’s small business ecosystem, federal contracting, and workforce related economic development. As the matriarch of the family, she was known for opening her home during every holiday, hosting lively family dinners “Puerto Rican style.”

After retiring, she moved to Florida with her disabled son, for whom she had been a fierce advocate since he was sixteen. Her dedication was so strong that when she wrote to the President of the United States about a poorly managed assisted living facility, the facility was eventually shut down.

When Leila began experiencing dementia, she found joy and expression through painting—often capturing the beauty and stories of Puerto Rico in her artwork. She loved spending time outdoors, going out to dinner, collecting Barbie and porcelain dolls, and dressing elegantly with her jewelry, makeup, and beautiful dresses.

Leila Casiano was a loving mother, proud Puerto Rican, and strong woman who created a lasting legacy of care, strength, and family tradition.

Predeceased by her parents, Juan and Esther and sister Carmen.

Survivors include one son, Joseph Perez; three daughters: Yvette Perez and her children: Joshua (Sheena), Daniel (Kelly), Samuel (Crystal) and Jessica; Nancy Perez Capehart and her children: Israel and Charis (Stanley); Maria Perez and her children: Alyssa (Clayton), Brittney and Christopher; brothers: Juan Casiano and Alex Rodriguez; great grandchildren: Isabella, Isrianna, Israel Jr., Joshuea Jr., Rylynn, Rayjoun, Jayla, Kiesha, Ryan Jr,. Andrew, Baylee, Tahmas, Ariella, Adriel, Nadia, Liliana, Gabriel, Allayah, Jada (Kishaun), Isaiah, Caleb, Gabriel, Kennis, Kenaz, Jolie, Jace, Caiden, Alijah, Dominique and great great grandchildren, Trinity, Jaylynn, Sienna, Micah, Ivory Monae, Sincere, Kylo, Kairo, Kaylo, Kylan and Kamani. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

The family will receive friends at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service, 186 Shelton Shop Road, Stafford, VA on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM where a service will begin at 5:00 PM. The family will continue to celebrate Leila's’ life with a reception immediately following the service.