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Erlinda Leija was born in San Antonio, Texas on May 9, 1952, to Jesus R. and Guadalupe R. Gonzales, and went to be with the Lord on June 14, 2023, at the age of 71. Linda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. She is preceded in death by her parents Jesus R. and Guadalupe R. Gonzales, and brother John R. Gonzales. Survivors include her beloved husband, Raymond V. Leija, loving children Stephanie Robin Rios and Raymond Leija Jr., grandchildren Jeremiah Castro and Madalyn Castro, great-granddaughters Joselyn and Jaylina, and her brothers, sisters, extended family members and friends. Linda began her career as a Cosmetologist, following high school alongside her dear friend Lucy. She quickly built a clientele that followed her through life. Her customers were also her friends. She not only provided services for their hair but would often go out of her way to provide them with rides to and from the beauty shop. She would accompany them to lunch and trips to the grocery store before taking them home. If you ever had the privilege of knowing our mother, you knew that you would have a friend for life. Raymond and Linda spent 45 beautiful years together. As a wife and mother, she took pride in ensuring that her family always had dinner together each night. Linda could cook anything, and her love always made it taste amazing regardless of what it was. She would save all year to ensure they had everything they needed and wanted. Christmas was the best with Linda. She used to make a holiday tray filled with cookies and candies that her family still talks about today. She made sure to help her children with their homework and was always a loving face in the crowd at their school events. If there was one thing her family could count on, it was her. Her smile and laughter were contagious. Nothing made her smile more than the ones she loved. Through struggle and hardship, she was someone who always found a way to smile through it. She found great joy in music and looked forward to spending her Sunday evening sitting at the dining room table, looking out the window and admiring her beautiful plant collection while listening to her Cruising Classics and Tejano. We were blessed to have her for 71 years, and we will never forget the love and life lessons she gave us daily. Our lives will never be the same. Linda’s faith in the Lord was unwavering and we take refuge knowing we will see her beautiful smile again one day. Until then, she will be our beautiful Guardian Angel. Visitation will begin on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. with a rosary to begin at 6:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church with a procession from the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Mission Burial Park South. For personal acknowledgment, you may sign the online guestbook at www.missionparks.com in the obituary section.

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Erlinda Leija

May 9, 1952 - June 14, 2023