Cover photo for Loretta Garcia Leal's Obituary
Loretta

Loretta Garcia Leal

d. January 17, 2025

Espanola

Loretta Garcia Leal died peacefully at home with her devoted husband by her side on Friday, January 17, 2025. Loretta was born on August 25, 1957, to Manuel and Marie Garcia in Espanola, New Mexico (NM). Loretta was the fifth of six children. As the child of business owners, she learned the value of hard work at a young age.

She was a member of the last graduating class of the Espanola High School Hornets, where she was class president. After graduation, Loretta attended New Mexico State University, where she studied computer science. Upon completing her bachelor’s degree, she took a job in Boulder, Colorado. While in Boulder, Loretta surrounded herself with an amazing group of friends. This group of friends became her extended family. They were all young professionals and lived life to the fullest. They ran, skied, danced, went to concerts and supported each other unconditionally. During this time, Loretta ran two marathons, including the New York marathon. Her finish line photo was proudly displayed at the Delta Bar, owned by her parents. Loretta enjoyed traveling and took her parents on several trips including New York City, Washington DC, and Europe.

Loretta was eventually drawn to return to live in NM. She loved the “Santa Fe” style and was always seen wearing a broom skirt, silver beads and concha belt. Loretta met her husband Jimmy Leal and they dated for several years before marrying in 2008. While Loretta did not have any children of her own, she was the “cool” aunt to all her nieces and nephews, taking them on trips, to concerts at Red Rocks and, of course, skiing.

Loretta and Jimmy enjoyed skiing, biking and traveling. One of their favorite trips was visiting the Holy Land together.

Loretta was fun loving and never met a stranger. She loved her family and could always be counted on when anyone needed help. She helped care for her parents as they aged, taking her dad to dialysis treatments weekly for several years. She volunteered at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church where she was a member of the Sacred Heart Society, following in her mother’s footsteps. Loretta will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but especially by her husband, Jimmy.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel and Marie Garcia, her sister JoAnna Boor, sister-in-law Susan Derosia and niece Athena Derosia.

She is survived by her husband Jimmy Leal, siblings, Anthony Garcia of Espanola, Dolores Maez (Emery) of Abiquiu, Emelda Castillo (Robert) of Santa Fe, Manuel Garcia (Chayo) of Las Cruces, brothers in law, Mike Boor of Santa Fe, and John (Sue) Barsky of Phoenix, sister- in-law Mary Derosia, nieces and nephews, Garcia Rocke Johnson (Jesse), Chris Castillo (Kym), HC Hawkins (Jamie), Stephanie Balderrama, Joseph Maez (Rosie), Tres Garcia (Stephanie), Juan Maez, Daniel Garcia (Gabriel), Robbie Castillo (Anika), Melissa Castillo, Rebecca Barsky, Bethany Milligan (Dwayne), Isabella Derosia and Alexandria Derosia, Fidel Gutierrez Garcia (Pati), Daniel Gutierrez Garcia, and numerous great nieces and nephews, other extended family, and many friends. 

Services will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (908 W Calle Rosario) in Espanola, NM. A Rosary will be recited at 11:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon. A reception will be held immediately following mass at Anthony’s at the Delta. A private interment will be held at Rosario Cemetery in Santa Fe on Friday, January 31, 2025. 

Serving as pallbearers are Chris Castillo, HC Hawkins, Joseph Maez, Tres Garcia, Juan Maez, Tanner Trujillo and Patrick Trujillo. Honorary pallbearers Anthony Garcia and Manuel Garcia.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen in Espanola. 

The family of Loretta Garcia Leal has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Loretta Garcia Leal, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Prayer Service

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Starts at 11:30 am (Mountain time)

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Mass

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Starts at 12:00 pm (Mountain time)

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Burial

Friday, January 31, 2025

Starts at 12:00 am (Mountain time)

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