Sofía Leal Barrera
May 25, 1956 – January 28, 2026
Sofía Leal Barrera, a devoted woman of faith, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, entered eternal rest on January 28, 2026, at the age of 69. She was welcomed into the arms of the Father after a life dedicated to service, love, and unwavering devotion to Christ.
Sofía was a woman of many talents, but her greatest gift was her heart for serving God and others. Her deep faith guided every aspect of her life and allowed her to touch countless hearts, leaving a lasting impact on all who were blessed to know her.
She was known for her compassion, kindness, joy, and generosity. Sofía fulfilled many roles throughout her life—wife, sister, mother, and grandmother—all of which she embraced with grace and selflessness. As a grandmother, her love was especially tender and nurturing. God blessed her with the opportunity to help raise her first three grandchildren, whom she loved with a mother’s heart.
Sofía had a profound love for worship, biblical studies, and evangelization. In her younger years, she taught doctrine and danced in praise. Later in life, she dedicated herself to sharing the Word of God in communities without access to Bible studies. She also served alongside her husband for several years in the Catholic Marriage Encounter, a ministry that brought her great joy.
The greatest love of Sofía’s life was her husband, Modesto Leal Jacobo, whom she affectionately called her “viejo.” Together, they shared a beautiful marriage that would have reached 51 years. From this union came five children, who were her greatest earthly treasure. One of her beloved sons, Lorenzo Leal, preceded her in death seven years ago. Today, Sofía rejoices in eternal life reunited with him.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Modesto Leal Jacobo; her children Alma Ledesma, Juan Carlos Leal, Rosy Remigio, and Modesto Leal; her sons- and daughters-in-law Juan Ledesma, José Remigio, Olaya Leal, Alba Leal, and Alicia Leal; her cherished 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who were the joy and pride of her life.
Sofía leaves behind a powerful legacy of faith, love, and service. Though she is no longer with us physically, her unconditional love and spiritual example will live on forever in the hearts of all who loved her.
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Funeral Services
Visitation
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Leal Funeral Home
11123 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77079
Funeral Mass
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
10:00 a.m.
St. Cecilia Catholic Church
Burial
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
12:00 p.m. (Noon)
Woodlawn Cemetery