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By Dayna Reyes, Reporter
LA JOYA, Texas – Tributes are pouring in for former Rio Grande Valley educator Maria Filomena Leo, who has passed away at the age of 76.
Leo grew up in a farm worker family in San Benito, Texas. In 2023, she sat down for an oral interview with Cristina Salinas for the Chicana Borderlands Voices series. She told the story of how a nun, her eighth grade teacher, inspired her to dream big. The teacher had asked the class to write down what they wanted to do when they grew up. Leo said she wanted to be a secretary.
“You want to be a secretary? Oh, no. Filomena is not going a secretary. She is going to be astrophysicist. I did not know what that was but I liked the sound of it. Be more than you think you can. I have never forgotten that moment,” Leo recalled.
Leo moved to La Joya in 1971. Leo earned a BS from Pan American University in Edinburg (now UTRGV) and moved to La Joya in 1971 as a teacher at LJISD. She devoted more than 30 years of service to the school district, including four years as superintendent.
After retiring from LJISD she served as interim superintendent for many school districts throughout the Valley.
“Filomena Vela was one of the best human beings I have had the honor of meeting. A real problem solver with a tremendous heart. The best boss I ever had. May she rest in heavenly peace. My condolences to her family,” said former LJISD special needs teacher Ester Salinas.
Former school board member Joel Garcia said:
“What an incredible legacy Dr. Leo leaves behind. I too was honored to work alongside her as a school board member and witness her unwavering dedication to our students and community. Her leadership and mentorship will be deeply missed, but her impact will be felt for generations to come,” said former LJISD board member Joel Garcia.
LJISD paid this tribute:
“On behalf of La Joya ISD, the Superintendent, Dr. Marcey Sorensen, the La Joya ISD School Board, and our entire La Joya ISD community, we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Filomena Leo, former Superintendent of La Joya ISD.
“Dr. Leo devoted more than 30 years of service to La Joya ISD, including her time as Superintendent from 2003 to 2006. Her leadership helped guide our district with integrity, compassion, and a strong commitment to public education. She dedicated her life to serving students, families, and educators, leaving a lasting impact on our community.
“We honor Dr. Leo’s legacy of service and leadership and are grateful for the role she played in shaping La Joya ISD. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside her.”
State Sen. Juan Hinojosa of McAllen paid this tribute:
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Filomena Leo from La Joya. She was a great person, a pillar of our community, and a dedicated public servant. Dr. Leo made it clear that her upbringing taught her that ‘serving others is serving God.’
“Dr. Leo was a lifelong educator. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas Pan American, now UTRGV. She started her career as a teacher at La Joya Independent School District and later became the superintendent of the district. She also served as interim superintendent at several other districts, including Sharyland, Raymondville, San Benito, Weslaco, Donna, and Monte Alto. In addition, she taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas Pan American.
“Dr. Leo also served on the school board of the South Texas Independent School District and was a member of the La Joya Housing Authority board. Along with her late husband, Billy Leo, she devoted her life to public service, helping others, and supporting candidates who were willing to stand up for la gente. They both worked tirelessly to register people to vote and encourage participation in elections.
“Most importantly, Dr. Leo was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was respected and admired by everyone who worked with her. While her loss is difficult, we take this time to remember and celebrate her many accomplishments and successes in life. She was truly a trailblazer. My thoughts and prayers are with the Leo family and all her loved ones during this difficult time. May Dr. Filomena Leo rest in peace and be in Heaven.”
Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez paid this tribute:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Filomena Leo, a devoted public servant and an extraordinary leader whose life was defined by service, compassion, and a commitment to education.
“Dr. Leo touched countless lives through her leadership and her genuine care for students, educators, and the community she so faithfully served. Her legacy is one of integrity, kindness, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to change lives.
“We extend our deepest condolences to her children, family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her. Though she will be greatly missed, Dr. Leo’s impact and legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
“May she rest in eternal peace.”
Sharyland ISD paid this tribute:
“Sharyland ISD mourns the passing of Dr. Filomena Leo and reflects with gratitude on her years of service and leadership. Her steady guidance and commitment to public education left a meaningful and lasting impact on our district. Dr. Leo’s dedication to Sharyland ISD, its students, and its staff will be remembered with respect and appreciation. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Leo family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The City of La Joya paid this tribute:
“The City of La Joya mourns the passing of Dr. Filomena Leo, a devoted educator, community leader, and cherished member of our La Joya community.
“Dr. Filomena Leo dedicated her life to service in countless ways. She provided distinguished leadership in education, serving on multiple school boards and as Superintendent and Interim Superintendent, where she helped shape the academic and personal futures of generations of students. Her commitment to the community also extended through her service with the La Joya Housing Authority, the La Joya Lions Club, Tree Advisory Committee and numerous boards and committees, including service to the City of La Joya.
“A woman of deep faith, Dr. Leo was actively involved in the Catholic Church, where her compassion, humility, and dedication to helping others were clearly reflected in her lifelong service.
“Her remarkable contributions were formally recognized when she was inducted into the Mission Historical Museum Wall of Fame and when she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hidalgo County Democrats at their Noche Azul Gala, honoring a lifetime devoted to education, leadership, and community service.
“She was the beloved wife of former Mayor William “Billy” Leo, whose own legacy of public service and dedication to La Joya continues to be remembered with great respect. Together, they represented a lifetime of leadership, faith, and love for community.
“On behalf of Mayor Isidro Casanova, City Council, and City staff, we extend our deepest condolences to the Leo family and all who are grieving this tremendous loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Dr. Filomena Leo’s legacy will forever remain a part of La Joya’s history and heart.”
The City of Mission paid this tribute:
“Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza and the entire Mission City Council and extend their deepest sympathies to Palmview City Manager Mr. Michael Leo and his family during this time of profound loss.
“Dr. Filomena Leo was admired for her compassion, strength, and lifelong commitment to her family, education, faith, and the community she served so selflessly. Her kindness and leadership left a lasting impact on countless lives. Dr. Leo was a true leader in Mission and we are forever grateful.
“While words cannot ease the sorrow of this moment, we hope the Leo family finds comfort in the memories she leaves behind and in the outpouring of support surrounding them. Dr. Leo’s legacy will live on through all those she touched. May she rest in eternal peace.”
Editor’s Note: The Rio Grande Guardian will bring more tributes as they come in.
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