Esther Leal

Esther Leal, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children at the age of 91 after a short courageous battle with Glioblastoma cancer. She was born on December 7, 1932, to Alejandro and Santos Canales in Kingsville, Texas, where she grew up and met the love of her life, Gilbert “Beto” Leal, in 1950. 

Esther attended H.M High School and was an avid basketball player for the team. After high school, she married Beto in 1953. Beto had a passion for music that led to the founding of the Beto Leal Orchestra in 1964. For many years, Esther and people from all over South Texas danced to the music of Beto and his Orchestra at celebrations where he sang with his beautiful strong voice. 

Esther was a beautiful homemaker completely invested in the happiness and wellbeing of her children. She embraced her role with grace and love. Her children are forever grateful for the wonderful childhood she provided for them. Esther’s role as a mother, grandmother, wife, and friend was at the core of her being, and she fulfilled each role with love, care, and unwavering dedication. She was a loving mother and a shining example of selfless love and sacrifices. The love she carried in her heart and soul for her children created a loving and nurturing environment for them to grow and thrive. Her legacy of those qualities will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. 

Esther's memory will continue to shine brightly, and her love will serve as a guiding light for generations to come, as a reminder of the importance of family and compassion. 

Esther will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her spirit will live on in the love and memories she leaves behind. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Rolando Leal, a loss that she carried with her throughout her life. Esther was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Gilberto "Beto" Leal Sr., her parents, Alejandro and Santos Canales, her siblings, numerous nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her children, Gilbert (Norma) Leal, Martha (Dudley)Diaz, Linda (Mario) Marichilar, Thelma (Arthur) Hernandez, Roland (Rey) Leal and Rolando Molina who she loved like a son. 

She was blessed with seven grandchildren, Nicole Leal-Gunn (Bert Cavazos) Crystal Diaz-Espinoza (Mito), Alex Marichalar (Olga), Brandon Diaz (Felicia), Olivia Anderson (Corbin), Claudia Richter (Andrew), Rebekah Leal (Emily), and 14 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

Esther's presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her beauty, both inside and out, and the love she so freely shared with her family and friends. May she rest in peace, knowing that her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. 

A funeral service in memory of Esther will be held on Saturday, November 16, at El Buen Pastor Methodist Church in Kingsville. There will be a visitation from 10 AM to 11 AM, followed by the service at 11 AM. A reception will take place afterward, providing an opportunity to share memories and support one another. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to El Pastor United Methodist Church in Esther's memory, allowing her legacy of love to continue.