Carolyn Leal

1946 - 2023

Carolyn Leal
06/14/1946 - 03/15/2023
An angel on earth is now an angel in heaven. Carolyn Leal was admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital on February 11, 2023. On March 15, an inexplicable and beautiful light formation appeared on Carolyn's garage door. Even before they were told, Carolyn's neighbors who saw it knew she had been called home to eternal peace that day.

Carolyn was born in Velasco, Texas but lived most of her life in Houston. Proud of her Texas roots, she was a seventh generation Texan and a direct descendant of one of Texas' original pioneer families.

The youngest of three children, Carolyn was known for her dimpled smile and shiny black curls, but more so for her love of animals, especially cats. Carolyn's mother didn't particularly like cats, but indulged her daughter and allowed a childhood full of cats and kittens - the majority of whom were named Puff.

As an adult, Carolyn's kindness and compassion radiated from her. A devout Christian, Carolyn never turned her back on a person in need. Once she overheard a couple at the airport having trouble getting a cab to MD Anderson. Not only did she insist on driving them to the hospital, but she took them under her wing and for their entire stay in Houston. Like many others before and since, this family referred to Carolyn as "our angel."

Carolyn took the time to get to know people, even those who crossed her path only briefly. She was known to write checks to people she barely knew, like the valet at a friend's condominium, whom she had come to learn was working two jobs but still struggling. Even when her generosity surpassed her means, Carolyn persisted with the deep faith that "God will provide." And for her, He always did.

Carolyn was a naturally gifted, self-taught artist. She developed a soft, ethereal style and delighted family and friends with gifts of her oil paintings and watercolors. She especially loved to paint angels.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her loving parents, Jennie Kate Ankenman and Sam Leal; her beloved stepfather, Wayne Ankenman; and her long missed brother, Jerry Leal.

She is survived by her sister Camille Iglehart and Camille's husband John; nieces Carrie Chaplan (Scott), Christy Carruba (Steven) and Camille Weir (Brian) and nephew Sam Leal (Rhonda). Carolyn is also survived by Doug Ankenman (Claire) and their children Katy Ankenman and Doug Ankenman III (Caroline); Maurie Cannon (Philip) and their children Philip Cannon Jr. (Eleanor) and Sarah Underwood (Duncan); as well as numerous and much loved great nieces and great nephews.

Carolyn is further survived by many beloved cousins, who brought her much joy through the years at family get-togethers at Christmastime in Houston, and Easters in Schulenburg.

The family would like to thank The Methodist Hospital and its wonderful doctors, nurses, and aides that worked so tirelessly on Carolyn's behalf; and also Carolyn's cardiologist, Dr Mohammed Attar, who was with her every step of the way.

Additionally, Carolyn would want to acknowledge and thank her dear friend Courtney Cottrell for her unwavering support, kindness and companionship.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Carolyn's name may be made to either adoptacattexas.com or vap_shelter@yahoo.com.