Annette Leos

A fierce love is a love that burns bright, so bright that it cannot burn forever. It is with an immensely heavy heart to announce the passing of Annette Leos, the most fiercely loving person this world has ever known. She is survived by her loving husband, Manny Leos and her four children Richard Leos, Monnette Arvizu (Manny), Christopher Leos (Dina) and Ronnie Perez as well as her grandchildren Ashley Leos, Derek Bustamante and Mateo Leos and her dear great grandson Graceson Leos and her loving siblings Mary “Tita” Truelove, Vivian Darbonnier Marez, Pierre Darbonnier and Maurice Darbonnier. She is preceded in death by her parents Fred and Mary Darbonnier, her brother Fred “Tito” Darbonnier and her beloved granddaughter Shelby Shaye Bustamante. Her fierce love started from the very beginning, where she played a second mother role to her siblings growing up. She was claimed to be the toughest girl on the block defending her younger brothers and sisters against bullies in the neighborhood. Female or male she never flinched when it came to protecting her family. She was the law of the land in her neighborhood growing up and her ability to connect with people across a wide range started at a youthful age that carried on throughout her lifetime. That popularity with the people surrounding her led to her nomination of Homecoming Queen, Most Popular and Most Beautiful at El Paso High. During and right out of high school, she met Manny Leos, the love of her life forever. They worked together at a local grocery store where their love began to flourish. Her fierce love for her new husband carried on into the four children they created together. During this time when her kids were growing up, she was the most supportive, caring and loving parent anyone could have asked for. Annette always had a welcoming and loving home with open doors for everyone. When the kids would have friends over, the guests were always welcomed with warm hospitality and a hot plate of food. During the summers when it would get hot in El Paso all the kids would come over to enjoy the food and warmth of Annette. She always felt like a second mother to all those around her. When there would be big parties at the house, she would always hang out in the den making sure everyone was ok and having a good time. If you knew Annette you knew she was game for anything that sounded fun and would do anything, even at the sacrifice of herself, to be there for her family and friends. She made the impossible not only seem possible but brought it to life on many occasions. No matter the situation she would find a way to turn it into a positive with a solution. She worked in the local schools in the attendance office at Bassett Middle School at the beginning of her career and eventually made her way to become the computer clerk for Burges High School where she was in charge of submission of all grades and all purchasing done by the school. Once her retirement came the fun never stopped. She loved to travel far and wide to see and discover new places with her family and friends. Ruidoso was a fond spot for her where she shared many memories with her family and friends. Some of the best memories from her direct family was caravanning together on all those road trips to San Antonio where her son, Chris and daughter, Ronnie live. All the celebrations that were spent at her house sometimes had attendance of fifty or more guests. Not a single person left her parties hungry because there was always more than enough food to go around. Her love for her children was spread to her grandchildren effortlessly. Having her as a grandparent brought so much joy and structure that is necessary in raising children. Her house was always THE house to go to because she built this environment in her home that encouraged creativity and imagination. There was always a mandatory nap involved and you’d better be sure to wash your face and hands before sitting at the table. In her elder years, she showed the same love and compassion for her first great-grandchild. Graceson brought a spark to her that she hadn’t had in years when everyone was growing up. Into the last few years of her vibrant life, Annette was very much involved in her local senior’s community. Again, creating the same environment at her home that welcomed groups of fifteen or more seniors at time. At all the get-togethers with her senior friends they played games and were always fed. Every single on of them always left with a happy heart and full stomach. The holiday season were a special time for her, she was always the house to go to for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Even if you had other relatives to visit there was always a necessary stop at Annette’s house, even if it was just for a plate, she always loved that. So, though her passing is painful it seems fitting for it to come during her favorite time of the year. To the very end she never stopped moving, her mind was so strong and capable, credited by her continued love for numbers and crossword puzzles. She loved to be involved in activities that would help her stay willing and capable. There are no real words that would be efficient enough to honor Annette Leos the way she truly deserves. She was the best person on earth and one of the main pillars in many lives. She was the shining example of how love is shown and how to maintain a happy life with longevity. To say she will be missed is an incredible understatement. The effects of her passing are felt in every single person who ever knew her. We all feel a little piece of her in our hearts that burns so fiercely, so fiercely it will never burn out.

Pall Bearers at the services will be Richard Leos, Christopher Leos, Manny Arvizu, Derek Bustamante, Mateo Leos, and Joey Lopez.

A visitation for Annette will be held Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Evergreen East, 12400 East Montana, El Paso, TX 79938. A vigil service will occur Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 7:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Evergreen East Funeral Home & Cemetery, 12400 East Montana, El Paso, Texas 79938. A funeral mass will occur Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 1:00 PM at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1118 N. Mesa, El Paso, Texas 79902. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at Evergreen Cemetery East, 12400 Montana Ave, El Paso, Texas 79938.