Hello, my name is Jasmine Benavides.

I’m reaching out with a heavy heart to share a little about my Great Grandma, Leoni.

She was the matriarch of our family. A true pillar of strength, compassion, and generosity, she helped raise multiple generations with love, grace, and unwavering support.

To those of us blessed to be part of her life, she was everything. Even when she had very little, she gave more than she could—supporting not only our immediate family here, but also loved ones back in the Philippines. She was the type of woman who would quietly sacrifice her own comfort to ensure others were okay.

Her husband, Richard, a proud U.S. Army veteran, dedicated many years of his life to military service before retiring. After his passing, things slowly began to change. My Great Grandma’s health declined—first with heart problems, and later with dementia. In her final days, she needed an oxygen mask just to breathe. It was heartbreaking to watch such a strong and selfless woman struggle in that way.

Now, as we mourn her passing, our family is doing our best to give her the farewell she deserves—one that reflects the dignity and love she lived with every day. We are humbly asking for help to raise funds for her funeral expenses. Any support, no matter the size, would mean so much to us.

Thank you for taking the time to read her story and for keeping our family in your thoughts during this difficult time.