A Warrior Has Found Her Wings

On Thursday, March 26, 2026, our beloved matriarch, Marcelina Peña Leyva, passed away peacefully at the age of 66. After a courageous and defiant second battle with cancer, Marcelina took her final breath, leaving behind a legacy of immense strength, faith, and unconditional love.

To know Marcelina was to know what a true "warrior" looked like. She didn’t just face her illness; she fought it with every ounce of her being, twice over. Her resilient spirit was the foundation of the Leyva family, and her light was one that refused to be dimmed, even in the hardest of times.

The Heart of Her Family

Marcelina poured everything into those she loved. She is survived by her husband, Andres Francisco Leyva, and her children, Elizabeth “Betty” Leyva and Jose Domingo “Mingo” Leyva, who stood by her side through every step of her journey.

The loss of a matriarch is a weight no family is prepared to carry. As they navigate this profound grief, we want to surround Andres, Betty, and Mingo with the same ferocity of support that Marcelina showed everyone else throughout her life.

How You Can Help

We have started this fund to help the Leyva family manage the financial burdens of medical expenses and final arrangements. Our goal is to alleviate these stresses so they can focus on healing and honoring Marcelina’s extraordinary life.

Whether it is through a donation, a shared memory of Marcelina, or simply sharing this link, your kindness means everything to the family right now.