REFUGIA ELIZARDO DELEON

With profound sadness and hearts full of love, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Refugia Elizardo De Leon, who peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen. Refugia lived a life defined by unwavering faith, quiet strength, and unconditional love. She was the heart of her family—a woman whose kindness, resilience, and gentle spirit touched everyone blessed enough to know her. She believed that family was life's greatest gift, and she devoted herself completely to nurturing, encouraging, and praying for those she loved. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the comforting reminder that no matter what life brought, family would always be there. She found joy in life's simple blessings: gathering with her children and grandchildren, sharing stories, celebrating milestones, and creating memories that will be treasured for generations. Her wisdom, compassion, and steadfast faith served as an example to all who knew her. She leaves behind not only cherished memories but a legacy of love, grace, and devotion that will continue to guide her family for years to come. Refugia was preceded in death by the love of her life, her beloved husband, Francisco De Leon Jr. She was also preceded in death by her cherished parents, Pedro and Nicanora Torres Elizardo; her beloved son, Rogerio De Leon; her brothers, Jorge Elizardo, Ezequiel Elizardo, Pedro Elizardo Jr., Guadalupe (Maria) Elizardo, and Isidro Elizardo; and her sisters, Micaela Elizardo, Francis (Arturo) Garcia, Rosalia (Encarnacion) Delgado, Fella Elizardo, and Lucia Hernandez. While their absence left an emptiness here on earth, we find comfort in knowing they have been joyfully reunited in eternal peace. She leaves behind a family who adored her and will forever carry her love in their hearts: her children, Rosalinda (Hector) Silva, Ruben (Anna Louisa) De Leon, Ricardo (Amy) De Leon, and Rebecca (Robert) Lopez. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Hector Silva Jr., David Lopez, Erika (Nick) Van Effen, Hope (Dario) Galvan, Jose Rogerio De Leon, Nadine De Leon, Marissa De Leon, Joy Silva, Angelica D. (Robert) Harvey, and Danae De Leon. Her greatest joy was watching her family continue to grow. She was blessed with her treasured great-grandchildren: Emma Lopez, Erik Galvan, Hailey Van Effen, Emma Galvan, Jaiden Terrones, Hazelle Galvan, Jessalyn Terrones, Sadie Van Effen, Serenity Silva, Duriah Galvan, Ella Lopez, Johnathon Ballesteros, and Robert Westley Harvey, all of whom lovingly knew her as "Nanny." To them, she was a source of endless love, gentle hugs, heartfelt prayers, and precious memories that will remain with them throughout their lives. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who were blessed by her kindness and will forever cherish the love she shared so freely. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Refugia's beautiful life during visitation on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Rudy Garza Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will continue on Thursday, July 9, 2026, with a church service at 10:00 a.m. at La Trinidad Assembly of God Church, officiated by Pastor David Reyes. The procession will depart from the funeral home at 9:00 a.m., followed by interment at Mont Meta Memorial Park. Her grandsons will be her pallbearers. Although our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the 91 wonderful years God blessed us with through Refugia's life. Her love will continue to live on in every lesson she taught, every prayer she offered, and every life she touched. While we will miss her deeply each day, we find peace in knowing she has been welcomed into her eternal home, where there is no more pain, only everlasting peace. "Well done, good and faithful servant." Her love will remain with us always, and her memory will forever be a blessing.

REFUGIA ELIZARDO DELEON

December 25, 1934 - July 1, 2026

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services