Timeline for Lucia G. Leyendecker
Born: September 15, 1930
Died: January 25, 2022
Our loving mother, beloved grandmother, great grandmother and caring sister, Lucia G. Leyendecker, passed away in her home on January 25, 2022.
Lucia G. Leyendecker was born on Sept 15, 1930, in Laredo, Texas, to Jesus M. Gonzalez and Josefina Cardenas Gonzalez. She graduated from Martin High School in 1947 and subsequently earned her BA degree from Texas Woman’s University where she studied Education, Spanish and Horticulture.
At 19, she began her distinguished profession with the Laredo Independent School District where she was employed for 40 years as a teacher and administrator. She began her teaching career at Katherine Tarver Elementary School. When M.S. Ryan Elementary School was built in the early 1950’s, she was selected to open the campus. She was dedicated to the students of M.S. Ryan Elementary School until the early 1980’s, when she became a Parent Involvement Officer with Federal Programs. This position led her to a lifelong relationship with The Congregation of Sisters of the Sacred Heart Children’s Home.
Lucy, as she was fondly known to her family and friends, was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank X. Leyendecker, an avid hunter, fisherman and rancher. Together for over 62 years, Frank and Lucy shared a life filled with love of family, friends and the outdoors. Blessed with movie star looks, they were always the most handsome/most beautiful couple on the dance floor. Always smartly dressed, you couldn’t miss beautiful Lucy with her jet black hair, green eyes, red lipstick and stiletto heels. No matter the time or place, Lucy was absolutely captivating and the epitome of grace and dignity.
In addition to her parents and her husband, she was also preceded in death by her brother Jay Gonzalez, sister Josefina Gonzalez Garcia, brother-in-law G.G. Garcia, son-in-law Bill Wise, Jr. and niece Rosa Garcia Cady.
Lucy was a dedicated and devoted educator, tutor and life mentor who always sought to make others’ lives better by nurturing, teaching and inspiring her students to excel in knowledge and in character. She taught with a warm, caring heart while creating an environment of wonder, adventure and laughter. Her students loved her dearly. Her children fondly remember that no matter where they were, her former students would always recognize her and sing her praises. She instilled in each student the belief that they could become anything they wanted to become. As an educator, this is the greatest gift a teacher can give a child. One of her former students, Mike Jackson, once wrote, “One person who encouraged me and instilled self-confidence like I never had before was my fourth grade teacher, Lucy Leyendecker. I started that year with my head in the sand and emerged feeling like I could conquer anything! Thank you, Mrs. Leyendecker.” Another of her former students, Sandra Uribe, said “I have always thanked God for having Mrs. Leyendecker in my life. She helped me so much with my self-esteem and had a gift for making me feel special.”
Lucy loved life, her family, her home and her yard. She frequently recharged her soul tending to her garden. Many who knew her well describe a contagious laughter, spontaneous sense of humor, and a playful mischievousness. Her wit and wisdom will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Lucy was a living example of this Bible verse (Proverbs 31:25-29): “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
Lucy is survived by her son, Frank (Lourdes) Leyendecker, Jr. and daughters Rebecca (Beto) Leyendecker Gutierrez and Elizabeth (Peter) Leyendecker Greenblum and grandchildren, Lisa Leyendecker, Lou Leyendecker, Jordan Wise, Jay (Karina) Leyendecker and Jonathan (Hannah) Leyendecker and great granddaughters, Josephine Leyendecker and Frances “Frankie” Leyendecker.
Lucy’s children extend their heartfelt gratitude to those who cared for their Mother including the late Dr. Joaquin G. Cigarroa, Monsignor James Harris, Dr. Marco Uribe, Dr Carlos N. Casas, Chuck Keke Pharm. D. , Superior Nursing Care, Nurses on Wheels Inc. and their teams. The family is most grateful to her caring neighbors, Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Thomspon, Mary Prevost, Greg Melendez and to her devoted caregivers of eight years, Ma. Rosario Montes and Elsa Ortiz.
Due to the recent surge of COVID-19, to protect her family, friends and all those who loved her, services will be held at a later date.
Should you desire, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Children’s Home 3310 S Zapata Hwy, Laredo, TX 78046. You may express your condolences and sign the guestbook online at www.freddickey.com
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr, Laredo, TX 78041, (956) 723-3611.
Lucia was a great person,I was blessed to have known her. She will be greatly missed!
To Leyendecker Family my sincerest condolences for the loss of Ms Lucia Leyendecker, may God give you the strength to continue and the peace for your hearts.
Para toda la familia LEYENDECKER en especial a Rebecca, Elizabeth y Pancho nuestras más sinceras condolencias por la partida de Mrs Lucy. Con mucho cariño de todos nosotros. Familia Diaz.
Rebbeca, I’m sorry sorry for your loss may she Rest In Peace Love Sylvia and Danny Richardson
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful mother! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our sincerest condolence for your loss. As we mourn your mother's passing, we rejoice in her birth to eternal life.
Please accept our condolences on your mother’s death. When I was a little girl I thought your mom looked like Elizabeth Taylor. She always asked about my mom every time I saw her. Such a nice lady. Silvia and Jeff jones
To the Leyendecker Family, Dearest friends I wish to extend my sincerest condolences on the loss of your beautiful mother. I was blessed to have your parents as neighbors for these past years. They welcomed me into the neighborhood with warmth and support, and I will always be so appreciative for their kindness at a time I was in much need. To my friends Rebecca and Elizabeth, I want you to know how much I will miss your parents and their presence. I will always fondly remember them coming and going, waving hello, our neighborly conversations from across our street, and your mom's daily walks. I wanted to share a story my mother told me that I did not know. When your parents were first married and had little Frankie, as she would call, him, they lived across the street from my mother's family house on Willow St. She was fifteen years old at the time as was Frankie's baby sitter. She remembers them as a young, very handsome couple. What a small world, and how time goes by so quickly. If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to call me. May God keep your mother in his loving arms and bless her. Sincerely, Mary Aradillas Prevost
Sincerest condolences on the loss of your Mom.
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Mother. May God give you strength in the difficult days ahead. Lots of love, Laura Salido
Leyendecker Family, You know how much I loved your mother. We not only taught together at Ryan Elementary school for years, but we became the best of friends. I'm going to miss your mother's wit and that twinkle in her eyes. We spent many an afternoon talking about nothing and making each other laugh. I always felt better about life after those "meetings". Every time I left, she would say, "we haven't even scratched the surface" and want to know when I could come back. We had so much fun......I guess we had the same sense of humor. She called me "Prima" even though I wasn't really her prima, but Frank's. I'm sure all of you will miss her terribly. I just thank God that she was a great part of my life. My deepest sympathy.
To my beautiful friend Elizabeth and family, I am sharing my deepest sympathy and condolences to you. The loss of our mothers is devastating. I loved reading about your lovely mom, “Lucy” what a life, a legacy and truly the woman of Proverb’s. May her memory be a blessing as her rhythm continues through all of you. God bless everyone of you and to Elizabeth- un gran abrazo muy fuerte.
One of the 'great ones' has gone to teach Heaven's children... Lucy was my favorite 4th grade teacher at Ryan School and a friend since... she taught with passion and did it well... my love and deepest sympathy to the family.... Rest now Lucy~
May God comfort you and your family. Arabella G. García
My deepest condolences are shared with Lucy’s’ family and friends.on her passing.. I am certain that she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest In Peace.
In memory of Lucia G. Leyendecker, Francisco Diaz lit a candle
I would like to extend my condolences to the Leyendecker family. Ms. Lucy Leyendecker was my fourth-grade teacher at M.S. Ryan Elementary School during the period of 1963-1964. I have many fond memories of her. I immensely enjoyed my fourth-grade year (she was a big part of that). Ms. Leyendecker was well-dressed and groomed. She set an example for all her students. Ms. Leyendecker always treated me well and showed profound respect for all her students. She was the one who noticed my visual limitations and informed my parents to have my eyes checked. This one thing allowed me to get a better view of the world and set me on a course to higher education. I was having difficulty seeing the blackboard as I sat at the back of the room. I was not completing my work and my grades began to suffer. She determined that my visual impairment was affecting my grades. After receiving my glasses, I began to excel in school. Whenever my parents would see her around town, she would always stop and inquire about me wanting to know how I was doing. She took pride in her students’ accomplishments. She must have known what impact she made in our lives. She was always happy for us and our successes. Thank you, Ms. Leyendecker, for being such a great teacher and helping me in my life! God Bless You!
Sincere condolences to her family. Mrs. Leyendecker was my teacher in elementary school and I always admired her. She was a very caring teacher and involved with her students to the nth degree. She and your Dad were friends with my parents and I always remember her dressed to the nines when they were going out. She reminded me of Elizabet Taylor. She was also a gracious hostess. I know she will be terribly missed by not only her family but those who knew and loved her, I count myself as one of those. May our Lord give you all peace and strength during this difficult time.❤️
Heaven has recalled one of it's angels. May my Aunt Lucy rest in peace!
So sorry for your loss! Our deepest sympathies to the family!
I was so sorry to hear about beautiful Lucy Leyendecker’s passing your beautiful mom please knoweour prayers are with you xoxo patsy galo
My deepest condolences to all the family! May she Rest In Peace! My heart goes out to all of you for the Los of your dear Mother. I hope your happy memories will help you all through this difficult time... love you all Rocio Jacaman
In memory of Lucia G. Leyendecker, Mike Jackson lit a candle
Rebecca, Elizabeth and Frank, So sorry to hear that your Mom has passed. I am forever grateful for the difference she made in my life. Lucy will live eternally in our hearts. Our love and prayers are with you all. ❤️? God bless, Mike Jackson and family Austin, Texas
Perhaps one of the most influential ladies in my life. With flashing eyes and abundant mischief, she challenged us to create, to learn and to challenge ourselves. Whenever we would see each other, we would both bust out laughing over a "secret" we knew about another (less than savory) teacher at Ryan Elementary. "Ay Billito, I have to bite out my cheek lining every year at the beginning of school faculty meeting,....and it is all because of you and Mike Jackson!" Sweet lady --we all adored you - and we were all the better for having known you. Slumber peacefully!
I loved her!❤️
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Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.
Lucia was a great person,I was blessed to have known her. She will be greatly missed!
To Leyendecker Family my sincerest condolences for the loss of Ms Lucia Leyendecker, may God give you the strength to continue and the peace for your hearts.
Para toda la familia LEYENDECKER en especial a Rebecca, Elizabeth y Pancho nuestras más sinceras condolencias por la partida de Mrs Lucy. Con mucho cariño de todos nosotros. Familia Diaz.
Rebbeca, I’m sorry sorry for your loss may she Rest In Peace Love Sylvia and Danny Richardson
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful mother! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our sincerest condolence for your loss. As we mourn your mother's passing, we rejoice in her birth to eternal life.
Please accept our condolences on your mother’s death. When I was a little girl I thought your mom looked like Elizabeth Taylor. She always asked about my mom every time I saw her. Such a nice lady. Silvia and Jeff jones
To the Leyendecker Family, Dearest friends I wish to extend my sincerest condolences on the loss of your beautiful mother. I was blessed to have your parents as neighbors for these past years. They welcomed me into the neighborhood with warmth and support, and I will always be so appreciative for their kindness at a time I was in much need. To my friends Rebecca and Elizabeth, I want you to know how much I will miss your parents and their presence. I will always fondly remember them coming and going, waving hello, our neighborly conversations from across our street, and your mom's daily walks. I wanted to share a story my mother told me that I did not know. When your parents were first married and had little Frankie, as she would call, him, they lived across the street from my mother's family house on Willow St. She was fifteen years old at the time as was Frankie's baby sitter. She remembers them as a young, very handsome couple. What a small world, and how time goes by so quickly. If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to call me. May God keep your mother in his loving arms and bless her. Sincerely, Mary Aradillas Prevost
Sincerest condolences on the loss of your Mom.
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Mother. May God give you strength in the difficult days ahead. Lots of love, Laura Salido
Leyendecker Family, You know how much I loved your mother. We not only taught together at Ryan Elementary school for years, but we became the best of friends. I'm going to miss your mother's wit and that twinkle in her eyes. We spent many an afternoon talking about nothing and making each other laugh. I always felt better about life after those "meetings". Every time I left, she would say, "we haven't even scratched the surface" and want to know when I could come back. We had so much fun......I guess we had the same sense of humor. She called me "Prima" even though I wasn't really her prima, but Frank's. I'm sure all of you will miss her terribly. I just thank God that she was a great part of my life. My deepest sympathy.
To my beautiful friend Elizabeth and family, I am sharing my deepest sympathy and condolences to you. The loss of our mothers is devastating. I loved reading about your lovely mom, “Lucy” what a life, a legacy and truly the woman of Proverb’s. May her memory be a blessing as her rhythm continues through all of you. God bless everyone of you and to Elizabeth- un gran abrazo muy fuerte.
One of the 'great ones' has gone to teach Heaven's children... Lucy was my favorite 4th grade teacher at Ryan School and a friend since... she taught with passion and did it well... my love and deepest sympathy to the family.... Rest now Lucy~
May God comfort you and your family. Arabella G. García
My deepest condolences are shared with Lucy’s’ family and friends.on her passing.. I am certain that she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest In Peace.
In memory of Lucia G. Leyendecker, Francisco Diaz lit a candle
I would like to extend my condolences to the Leyendecker family. Ms. Lucy Leyendecker was my fourth-grade teacher at M.S. Ryan Elementary School during the period of 1963-1964. I have many fond memories of her. I immensely enjoyed my fourth-grade year (she was a big part of that). Ms. Leyendecker was well-dressed and groomed. She set an example for all her students. Ms. Leyendecker always treated me well and showed profound respect for all her students. She was the one who noticed my visual limitations and informed my parents to have my eyes checked. This one thing allowed me to get a better view of the world and set me on a course to higher education. I was having difficulty seeing the blackboard as I sat at the back of the room. I was not completing my work and my grades began to suffer. She determined that my visual impairment was affecting my grades. After receiving my glasses, I began to excel in school. Whenever my parents would see her around town, she would always stop and inquire about me wanting to know how I was doing. She took pride in her students’ accomplishments. She must have known what impact she made in our lives. She was always happy for us and our successes. Thank you, Ms. Leyendecker, for being such a great teacher and helping me in my life! God Bless You!
Sincere condolences to her family. Mrs. Leyendecker was my teacher in elementary school and I always admired her. She was a very caring teacher and involved with her students to the nth degree. She and your Dad were friends with my parents and I always remember her dressed to the nines when they were going out. She reminded me of Elizabet Taylor. She was also a gracious hostess. I know she will be terribly missed by not only her family but those who knew and loved her, I count myself as one of those. May our Lord give you all peace and strength during this difficult time.❤️
Heaven has recalled one of it's angels. May my Aunt Lucy rest in peace!
So sorry for your loss! Our deepest sympathies to the family!
I was so sorry to hear about beautiful Lucy Leyendecker’s passing your beautiful mom please knoweour prayers are with you xoxo patsy galo
My deepest condolences to all the family! May she Rest In Peace! My heart goes out to all of you for the Los of your dear Mother. I hope your happy memories will help you all through this difficult time... love you all Rocio Jacaman
In memory of Lucia G. Leyendecker, Mike Jackson lit a candle
Rebecca, Elizabeth and Frank, So sorry to hear that your Mom has passed. I am forever grateful for the difference she made in my life. Lucy will live eternally in our hearts. Our love and prayers are with you all. ❤️? God bless, Mike Jackson and family Austin, Texas
Perhaps one of the most influential ladies in my life. With flashing eyes and abundant mischief, she challenged us to create, to learn and to challenge ourselves. Whenever we would see each other, we would both bust out laughing over a "secret" we knew about another (less than savory) teacher at Ryan Elementary. "Ay Billito, I have to bite out my cheek lining every year at the beginning of school faculty meeting,....and it is all because of you and Mike Jackson!" Sweet lady --we all adored you - and we were all the better for having known you. Slumber peacefully!
I loved her!❤️
Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services.