Search by Name

Search by Name

Carol Leach Obituary

Carol Leach

Carol Leach, passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Albuquerque, NM.

She is survived by her husband; brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin David Lynch Hockmuth, Sr. of Los Lunas; nephew, Mr. Andrew Leach of Carthage, Illinois, nieces: Mrs. Erich Bergman of Carthage, Illinois, Mrs. Rafael Olguin of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and nephew, Mr. Kevin David Lynch Hockmuth, Jr. of Los Lunas.

A longtime resident of Santa Fe, Ms. Leach was born on August 11, 1949, and raised in Lubbock, Texas. She received her undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University, an M.A. in Journalism from the University of Wyoming, and her law degree from Texas Tech University (Order of the Coif). She began practicing law in Santa Fe in 1978 with Brown, Bain and Bingaman, becoming a partner. In 1984, she became General Counsel for the Corrections Department of the State of New Mexico. In 1988, she became General Counsel for the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department of the State of New Mexico. She returned to private practice, joining Beatty and Wozniak P. A. in 2010 and, in 2012, Concho Resources (acquired by ConocoPhillips). She retired in 2021. She married Donald E. Hockmuth, Jr., on April 20, 1996.

She was a parishioner of Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community for the past thirty years.

Services will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (619 Copper Ave NW, 87102). Rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM. Mass will begin at 10:00 AM. Carol will be laid to rest at Mount Calvary Cemetery (1900 Edith Blvd NE, 87102).

The family respectfully suggests that gifts in Ms. Leach's memory be made to the American Cancer Society.

To sign Carol's online guestbook, visit

www.SalazarFunerals.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albuquerque Journal from Aug. 1 to Aug. 3, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Carol Leach

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Joanna Prukop

July 31, 2025

Carol and I worked together at EMNRD during both terms of the Richardson Administration. I could not have asked for a more competent, experienced and wise General Counsel. I am forever indebted to her for guiding me through many dealings, legally and ethically. Carol was very much my right hand adviser and friend. I like to say that we both retired in December of 2009 because neither of us wanted to work without the other. I will miss her here on Earth, and may she rest in peace forever.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Carol Leach's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Carol Leach

Aug

4

Rosary

9:30 a.m.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

619 Copper Avenue Northwest, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Aug

4

Service

10:00 a.m.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

619 Copper Avenue Northwest, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Aug

4

Graveside service

11:30 a.m.

Mount Calvary Cemetery

1900 Edith Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Funeral services provided by:

Salazar Funeral Homes & Crematory - Reflections Chapel

2400 Washington St. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

How to support Carol's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Carol Leach's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more