Esperanza "Hope" Leyva

1950 - 2023

Esperanza "Hope" Leyva obituary, 1950-2023, Las Cruces, NM

Esperanza "Hope" Leyva

1950 - 2023

BORN

1950

DIED

2023

Esperanza Leyva Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 20, 2023.

ESPERANZA “HOPE” LEYVA, 72, of Las Cruces, NM entered eternal rest on Monday, January 16th, 2023, in El Paso Texas surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on August 8th,1950 in Anthony, TX to Rodolfo and Nati Holguin.  “Hope” as she was fondly known to family and friends, was retired from the Las Cruces Public Schools where she worked for 37 years as a 3rd grade teacher at Booker T. Washington Elementary.  She was a member of the Roman Catholic Church.


Grandma Hope was an avid sports fan.  Her favorite players to watch were her sons and her 3 grandchildren.  She also supported her favorite coach, her husband, Coach Leyva.  There was not a sporting event, concert, dance competition that she wasn’t watching with enormous delight, especially if it was her kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, friends, and family.  She was also known as “Gambling Granny” as there was no casino that she did not enjoy.


Those left to mourn her passing include her loving husband of 50 years, Esequiel “Zeke” Leyva; two sons, Travis Leyva (Jaclyn) of Las Cruces and Derek Leyva (Demery) of Jacksonville, FL., two brothers, Raul Holguin (Tina) and Johnny Holguin (Espy) and a sister, Linda Holguin all of Vado, NM.  Her brothers-in- law Lupe Leyva (Pat) and Rick Leyva (Angela) and sister-in-law Rosemary Leyva all of Las Cruces, NM.  Her pride and joy were her grandchildren, Trae Leyva, and the twins Jayden and Jillian Leyva.  Hope was preceded in death by her parents and her in-laws, Guadalupe, and Genoveva Leyva.


Visitation will begin at 2 pm, Monday, January 23rd, 2023, at St. Genevieve Catholic Church, 100 S. Espina Street with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 2:30pm.  The funeral mass will be celebrated immediately thereafter.  A celebration of life will be held from 4pm to 7pm at the St. Genevieve’s Hall.  At her request, cremation will follow, and Inurnment of cremains will take place at a later date at the St. Genevieve Columbarium.


Serving as casket bearers will be Demery Leyva, Robert Holguin, Scott Walker, Jaime Cadena, Gabriel Holguin, and Jon Kimmel.  Honorary bearers will be Mylena Walker, Myles Walker, Ainsley Walker, Jessica Cadena, Yevette Holguin, Rudy Holguin, Jaclyn Leyva, and Trae, Jayden, & Jillian Leyva.


Service arrangement have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E Boutz Rd, 575-527-2222.  Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care” For online condolences log on to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com

Sign Esperanza Leyva's Guest Book

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June 16, 2023

Sylvia Taylor posted to the memorial.

March 3, 2023

Mona Medina Wood posted to the memorial.

February 3, 2023

Christina Rodriguez (avila) posted to the memorial.

29 Entries

Sylvia Taylor

June 16, 2023

Our condolences and prayers for you and the family. Mrs. Leyva taught Noel the first semester of 1982. She encouraged him and whatever he chose to do while he was in her class. She was an inspiring and loving teacher and person. She always saw the good side of everything! Noel chose education as his profession. He started out as an assistant, and the students who needed extra help in math and reading. He went on to teach fourth and fifth grade. He is now on assistant principal at an elementary school. Mrs. Leyva is a teacher he remembers. We loved Mrs. Leyva

Daniel, Sylvia and Noel Taylor

Mona Medina Wood

March 3, 2023

My heartfelt sympathies to the family of Hope Leyva. She taught at Booker T. Washington with my mom, Angie Medina, where they became friends for many, many, years. She always had a genuine smile on her face. A very good person we were blessed to have met. Rest in peace Hope. ❤

Christina Rodriguez (avila)

February 3, 2023

My condolences to the family. Mrs. Leyva was my third grade teacher and she also taught my sister before so she was always calling me my sisters name. She was an awesome teacher!!! Rip Mrs. Leyva..

Michael Baca

January 30, 2023

Zeke, so sorry for the loss of your loved one Hope. You two were an inspiration for getting me to read at the Boy's Club, I will never forget that ever. RIP Hope

Jose Moreno

January 26, 2023

My love and prayers are with Zeke and the family. Hope was always a person who shared her love of teaching and children. Her dedication to her family, classroom, and the teachers she worked with was a measure of her love for all of us.

Eva Navarro

January 25, 2023

So sad to hear that Hope had passed. She was such a great person. My condolences to you Zeke and all the family.

Darlene Hernandez

January 23, 2023

Dear Zeke and Family,
We are so sad to hear this sudden and tragic news. Hope’s kindness, loving heart, and patience will be treasured and appreciated forever! Spending time with Hope, made our lives better. She loved and adored her “ three wonderful guys” and her beautiful sister! She will protect and love you always.
Forever Friends,
Darlene, Steve, & Philip

Susana Castillo

January 23, 2023

My condolences for the loss of this lovely and kind woman. Her smile was so welcoming and her gentle spirit was very genuine. May the good Lord and his blessed mother keep Hope safe in heaven. Take care and God Bless. Susana V. Castillo.

Julie Salas

January 23, 2023

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Deepest condolences to you and your family. May God bless you and your family.

Debbi and Mike Knapp

January 23, 2023

What an extraordinary woman and a blessing to all her family and friends. Her smile and laughter could light up any room. Holding the Leyva family in our hearts.

Raquel Busby

January 23, 2023

Mrs. Leyva you were such an awesome teacher. You will definitely been missed. May you R.I.P.

LuElla Morris

January 22, 2023

I am so sorry for the family's loss. I know Hope will be greatly missed by all of you. I worked with Hope at BTW for many years. She was one of God's special souls. A kind and generous person to me.

Joe Coca

January 22, 2023

So very sorry for your loss primo. Praying for God to comfort you at this time. Joe & Rose Coca

Randy & Lorraine Paz

January 22, 2023

Please accept with deepest sympathy our heartfelt thoughts for the Leyva family. When losing someone as precious to your family as Hopie . It is not only a loss to your family but also a loss to everyone that knew her. You could always count on her to make everyone in her presence feel special. Please know that many caring thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow.

Johnny & Luisa Jaques

January 22, 2023

My condolences to the Leyva family. I met Ms. Leyva at Booker T. Washington she was a great teacher to my son. May the perpetual light shine upon her. Rest in Peace Esperanza "Hope" Leyva.

Marie Misquez

January 22, 2023

My deepest condolences to the Leyva family. May the Lord give you comfort during this difficult time! My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Marie Misquez

Orrantia´s Fam

January 22, 2023

Our sincere condolences to the family, Hope was a great and sweet person that will always be remembered! May she Rest In Peace!

Jose Jimenez

January 22, 2023

Our deepest condolences and may God give you all strength in your time of sorrow.
Joe & Cathy Jimenez

Luis Quinones

January 22, 2023

Dear Zeke y Familia,
The Quiñones familia is saddened by the passing of Hope. We send our condolences and blessings. Que en paz descanse Hope.
Luis e Isabel Quiñones

Eloísa

January 21, 2023

My condolences to the family. Hope was a beautiful, wonderful lady! May she rest in peace at her parents side.

Pam Porter

January 21, 2023

Dear Zeke and family—I’m sad for the loss of your sweet Hope. The world is a lesser place without her kind presence. May you find strength and peace during this difficult time. My heart is with you.

Eduardo Holguin

January 21, 2023

Zeke and Family,
Our deepest condolences at Hope's passing which caught us by complete surprise after her great FB posts of your unexpected and extended holiday visit with the family. Hope was a strong and good friend and colleague at Booker T. She was part of our Fundraiser Friends group, which consisted of those of us with kids in sports or clubs selling their fundraiser stuff to each other during the year. I so much appreciated her efforts in keeping the La Washa group together after our retirements, even though I was never able to attend. I always loved to see the pics and info she'd post on FB about those gatherings. Gambling Granny and Zeke ran into us on a trip to ABQ as we were visiting the local casinos, also. She had a planned itinerary laid out to visit each up and down the Rio Grande. While we shared the last name Holguin, we were from different "matas" in southern NM, and yet, Booker T made us family. Que Dios la tenga en paz.

Michael Sullivan

January 21, 2023

Our sincere condolences to Zeke and the Leyva family. May she RIP.

Clara Lujan

January 20, 2023

I will miss you greatly my dear friend. My deepest Condolences to your family.

Terr Anraham

January 20, 2023

Hope was the greatest cheerleader for her peeps!
She was a dear friend who will be dearly missed

Rodney & Mary Lou Tharp

January 20, 2023

We are so very sorry to hear about the passing of Hope. What a beautiful soul and lovely lady who will be remembered by all who knew her. Zeke, please know our deepest sympathies and prayers are with you and your family at this tragic time of loss. Our love In Christ,

Sandra Ramirez

January 20, 2023

Our condolance and prayers for family may you rest in peace my beautiful friend you will be greatly missed

John and Yvette Garrett

January 20, 2023

We are heartbroken to hear of Hope’s passing. Hope was my “Words with Friends” buddy and we chatted while playing each other. She loved her family and was so excited to spend Christmas in Florida with Derek and Demery, and what completed her joy was Travis surprising them by traveling to Florida to watch The Dallas Cowboys. I sure will miss our games and chats! Hope and Zeke have always been welcoming to Jaclyn’s extended family, remembering Hope’s fantastic brisket and Chile con queso at their home for family get togethers. To the Leyva family, May the Lord comfort you as you grieve for Hope! God bless Hope!

ErnestIna M. Nuñez

January 20, 2023

Hubby Juan and I, want to express our sincere condolences to Zeke and family, on the loss of beloved wife, Hope. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Hubby Juan aka Johnny Brito, fondly remembers Hope, working at the Las Cruces Boys Club, during Juans Assistant director of the Boys Club. Wife Tina also remembers Zeke and Hope’s hard work and dedication during their college years, working at the Boys Club. Juan & Tina Morales Nuñez.

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Sign Esperanza Leyva's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 16, 2023

Sylvia Taylor posted to the memorial.

March 3, 2023

Mona Medina Wood posted to the memorial.

February 3, 2023

Christina Rodriguez (avila) posted to the memorial.