Esperanza "Hope" E. Leal, age 86 of Seguin, passed away on May 21, 2024.  She was born on March 20, 1938 in Coahuila, Mexico to Elisa (Gutierrez) and Armando R. Espinoza.

Faith, Family, and Education were cornerstones for Hope and her husband Richard. As one of the founding families of St. Dominic Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas, they received the 1976 Archbishop Francis J. Furey Medal for exceptional service to the Catholic Church and to the community, and for exemplifying good Christian conduct in personal life.  Hope instilled the importance of family in her children, emphasizing that love and support were the foundation for a strong family.  She supported her children in their educational goals of achieving college degrees. She cheered them on during sporting events and more importantly taught them a strong sense of where they came from and that they were capable of much if they put in the work to achieve their goals.

Hope is preceded in death by her sons, Richard A. Leal and Ray A. Leal, her parents, and her brothers, Armando Espinoza and Hector Espinoza.

Survivors include her loving husband of 66 years, Richard A. Leal; children, Sandra Campbell (Mark), Hector Leal (Jen), and Michael Leal (Peggy); daughter-in-law, Linda Leal; former daughter-in-law, Helena Geisinger; siblings, Erie Martinez, Nina Nieto (Robert), Joe Espinoza (Elvira), Estella Espinoza, and Elizabeth Valdez (Cecil); grandchildren Patrick Leal (Sandy), Mathew Leal (Amanda), Lauren Leal Benckenstein (John), Mark Leal, Christian Campbell, Christopher Campbell, Kiana Leal, Remington Leal, and step-granddaughter Lauren Javior; four great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel.  Visitation will begin again on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m.  Graveside services and interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:15 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Patrick Leal, Matthew Leal, Mark Leal, Christopher Campbell, Remington Leal, and John Benckenstein.