Maria Consuelo Perez Leal 1929 - 2026 BHS class of 1950

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Tom Estes

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Jun 28, 2026, 5:08:49 PM (8 days ago) Jun 28

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Maria Consuelo Leal, age 97, a beloved member of the Bishop community, passed away on June 24, 2026, in Bishop, Texas. Born on May 31, 1929, in Benavides, Texas, to the late Benito and Rumalda Perez. Maria lived a life rich in love, faith, and family.

Maria lived a remarkable life defined by unwavering faith and unconditional love that she extended towards her family, friends, and everyone that she had the pleasure of meeting through her life's journey. She was the heart of the home, the matriarch of the family-а loving mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose kindness, wisdom, and gentle spirit touched everyone that was fortunate enough to know her. In her early years she was a proud graduate of Bishop High School and was married to the love of her life Jesus A. Leal for 58 wonderful years until his passing. She also took tremendous pride in working for Dr. Lawrence Barnett for 37 years up until her retirement and lived her remaining years as a devout catholic as a member of the St. James catholic church for well over 70 years.

She found joy in life's simple blessings and leaves behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, and enduring love that will continue through the generations that she helped shape. Her heart and Soul are now at eternal rest and she will forever be missed.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jesus A. Leal; two brothers, Romeo Perez, and Hector Oscar Perez; and one sister, Pura De Leon.

Survivors include one son, Jerry Leal of Kingsville; two daughters, Cynthia (Adrian) Contreras of Bishop, and Yvonne L. (Ruben †) Guajardo of Bishop; five grandchildren, Jesus “JJ” Guajardo, Theresa Bianca De La Rosa, Jeremy Brandon Guajardo, Cordero “Cord” Contreras; and Adrian Contreras Jr.; five great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home, with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church with Father Francis Sebastian officiating. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.