Remembrance of the Life of Mary Lou Gomez-Leon CoL

Mary Lou Gomez-Leon was born May 3, 1927, to Laurencia Aizpuru and Ignacio Gomez-Leon. She was the older sister of Ignacio (Nacho) and Eddie. Mary Lou’s passions were her family, friends and music. 

An accomplished musician Mary Lou played a variety of instruments. She shared her love for music by teaching piano and accordion to private students. She taught vocal music in El Paso Public Schools and at Loretto Academy for more than 30 years. 

Mary Lou was a devout Catholic who deeply loved her faith, her family, friends, cats and music. She graduated from Austin High School in Texas and received a master’s in music education from the University of Texas in El Paso. 

For more than 40 years, Mary Lou arranged the music for the El Paso Sungold Chorus of Sweet Adelines International where she was a member. She traveled extensively with her chorus – teaching workshops and participating in performances and regional and international competitions.

 Mary Lou met Frances Ratterman when Frances visited her parents who were Mary Lou’s next-door neighbors. With Frances, Mary Lou met many Sisters of Loretto and co-members. In 2007, she became a co-member. 

She coordinated various social events, participated in Community Group 13, and attended regional gatherings and assemblies. In 2012, she journeyed with the Loretto members from El Paso to the Motherhouse for Loretto’s 200th year. She was always ready to get on the Loretto Academy School van to travel to any Loretto event within driving distance. 

Her faith, love of life and learning were evident in her activities with Loretto Academy, Annunciation House and St Charles Seminary. She was an active alumni member of Roncalli High School and the Pilot Club Service Club of El Paso. In her late 80s she learned to play bridge, playing several times a week. She attended Silver Sneakers classes on a regular basis and was still walking around the neighborhood in early 2022.

Mary Lou died March 8 at her home in El Paso, where she had been receiving hospice care, surrounded by her three surviving children and Buffy Boesen SL. Mary Lou was 94 and had been a Loretto co-member since August 2007.

 Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband Bobby (Robert Gomez -Leon Jr.), daughter, Lulu (Mary Heifner) and brother Nacho. She is survived by her brother Eddie, and three children: Bobby Joe, Susie and Sandy, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

“A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us God only takes the best.”  (Author unknown)

Please keep Mary Lou, her family and all those who loved her in your prayers. May she rest in peace.