Leila Rose Constant

Leila Rose Constant

1937-2025

Leila Rose Constant, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on November 15, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Leila's life was a testament to resilience and grace, even as she faced the challenges of dementia in her final years.

Born in Terre Haute, Indiana on April 1, 1937, Leila was a graduate of the University of Albuquerque, where she earned a degree in Business Administration. She enjoyed a successful career at the Department of Energy and then followed her passion for real estate into managing real estate transactions and representing clients in Pagosa Springs. Her home, especially on her beloved Colorado ranch, was always open and she found great joy in having family and friends gathered around multiple tables for meals. No one made green chili enchiladas quite like her!

Leila and her husband Jac thoroughly loved the life they built on their ranch in Pagosa Springs, caring for horses and cows, fishing on the San Juan river, and of course, hosting their children and grandchildren who would visit often, sometimes for weeks at a time. They particularly enjoyed having their morning coffee and watching the local wildlife, such as deer, bears, turkeys, mountain lions and hawks, pass by their window or graze in their meadow. She enjoyed travel, real estate, talking just about any topic, following the stock market, and country music, but most of all she loved and supported her family.

Leila is survived by her brother and his wife, Tyrone and Lois Baker of Las Animas, CO, her sons and their wives, Jesse and Gina Constant of Albuquerque, Jack and Andrea Constant of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Mitchell and Jeanine Constant of Xenia, Ohio, and, her grandchildren, Tim Dosch, Jessanyum Constant, Hollie Constant, Tyler Kirtley, and Alicia McCartney (Andrew), and her great-grandchildren Christopher, Jordin, Gabriel, Alana, Lucy, and Elizabeth. Her love and legacy lives on through them and she will be greatly missed!

She was preceded in death by her parents Ira and Eva Baker, three brothers, and her beloved husband, James Alva (Jac) Constant. Jac and Lee were childhood sweethearts and were married 64 years.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate memory care staff at The Retreat Specialty Care in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, for their exceptional care and support. In memory of Leila, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association to support research and provide support for families affected by the disease.

A funeral service will be held on December 13th at St. Jude’s Thaddeus Catholic Church followed by a lunch reception. A memorial and burial service will take place in Pagosa Springs, CO, in April of next year.