Yolanda Leyva

Yolanda Leyva, 88, of Teaneck, NJ, peacefully passed away on October 28, 2025.
Born to Maria Cristina Dalmau de Acosta in the Oriente Province of Cuba on November 2, 1936, Yolanda emigrated to America in 1948 after the death of her mother. After settling in Washington Heights, she soon graduated from Mother Cabrini High School and became an American citizen while working as an executive assistant for McGregor Men's Fashion of Fifth Avenue during the 1960s. It was during this time that a new adventure took hold of her life when she married Edward Leyva in 1963. Over the next few years, the two began a family that would take them from the City to the suburb of Teaneck while supporting each other every step of the way. Always proud to be part of the church and community, Yolanda would find roles first as a librarian at the former St. Anastasia Catholic school then later as a bilingual administrator for the once-opened clinic at Holy Name Medical Center. While always happy to offer her time, a story or simply a warm smile, it was her love of family and heritage that warmed her heart and days.
Predeceased by her husband, Edward after 54 years of marriage, Yolanda is survived and lovingly remembered by her three children: Chrissy, her husband Jaap and daughter, Maria Cristina Carolina; Edward and his wife, Mary; and Paul. A wake will be held at the Volk Leber Funeral Home in Teaneck on Sunday, November 2 from 3-7 pm, followed the next day by a mass at St. Anastasia Church at 10 am before her final resting at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Community Foodbank of New Jersey.