Elva Leon Windisch

Elva Leon Windisch

December 5, 1928 – May 3, 2025

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Elva Leon Windisch, who departed this life on May 3, 2025, at the age of 96. A lifelong resident of Laredo, Texas, Elva was born on December 5, 1928, and lived a life marked by grace, intelligence, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her faith and family.

Elva was predeceased by her beloved husband, Max E. Windisch, and her siblings: Genoveva Lyle, Sylvia Flores, Maria Helena Bowman, Sergio (Keko) Leon, Fernando Leon, and Daniel Leon Jr. (B.B.).

She is survived by her five daughters: Margaret Zepeda, Johanna Windisch, Susanna Windisch, Marlena Johnson, and Juliana Windisch; her cherished grandchildren: Christina Zepeda, Jonathan Zepeda, Kelly Jo Christensen (Little Julie), Nicole Johnson, and Dominic Pettiford; and her great-grandchild, Michaela Christensen.

A dedicated educator for over 30 years, Elva taught English at Lamar Middle School, Memorial Middle School, and Nixon High School. She held double bachelor's degrees and two master's degrees in English and Spanish. She enriched the lives of countless students with her compassion, creativity, and deep commitment to education. She received many teaching awards, and in one notable act of generosity, she donated a $500 Teacher of the Year award back to her school so books could be purchased for her students.

Elva was a woman of many talents. She played the piano and violin, sang opera, danced in recitals, and acted in community plays. She emphasized the importance of music and dance in her children’s lives, encouraging them to experience both the joy and discipline of the arts. In her early years, she taught Catholicism and remained deeply rooted in her faith. Among the many personal gifts she shared with us, she lovingly made all of our clothes when we were children—ensuring that we were stylish and kept up with the times. She gave each of her five daughters a birthday party every year, creating joyful memories that we carry with us to this day.

She helped her husband build and manage two successful businesses—Max’s Pharmacy and El Rio Pharmacy—where her favorite task was arranging the candy displays, a role her husband lovingly described as “a labor of love.”

She believed that faith in God should be the foundation of life and taught her children to put religion first and foremost. She also emphasized the importance of a strong education, not only within her own family but to every student she encountered. Her classroom was a place where learning, kindness, and opportunity were nurtured with care.

Elva doted on her husband and children and cherished her family and friends with all her heart. Her love for Max was enduring and profound, and her love for God and Jesus came first in everything she did. She went above and beyond to help students facing challenges at home or in school and tried to give extra attention to those who needed it most.

Elva leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and selfless giving. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Nurses on Wheels, especially Nurse Valeria and Nurse’s aide Maria and Dr. Luis Benavides for their compassionate care and dedication to Elva over the years.

The family will be receiving condolences on Thursday evening, May 8, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 719 Loring at Cortez.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday morning, May 9, 2025 departing at 8:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels to Christ the King Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, Texas 78040; (956)722-0001.