ForeverMissed
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Julie Ann Leal, 49, lost her battle to melanoma on May 22, 2017, after a 10-year, courageous and valiant fight.

Born March 31, 1968, in Usingen Germany, Julie grew up a true "California Girl" in Long Beach and Cerritos, California, and currently resided in Henderson Nevada. She is survived by the "loves of her life" her husband, David Leal, their twin sons Marcus and Daniel, and her parents, Ronald and Ingrid Humphrey.

Julie had many passions, none more important to her than her beloved family. Family was everything to Julie and she cherished the time she spent with David, Marcus and Daniel doing things like hiking, camping, cooking and being a football mom.

She also enjoyed reading, writing, dance, music and just having family time at home.

Julie knew from an early age that her calling was to be a teacher. During her 20+ year career, she helped thousands of students realize their potential and reach their dreams through her dedication and professionalism. She was a truly gifted educator and a special member of the teaching community. Her patience, compassion, work ethic and genuine love for helping and inspiring children made her a natural in the classroom.

Her passion for wanting to make a difference in people's lives led her to teaching and she earned an undergraduate degree from California State University, Long Beach in Psychology and a master's degree in Education from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She also continued to advance her education while teaching, earning many certifications, awards and accolades throughout her career.

Julie leaves behind countless friends, colleagues, nieces, nephews, cousins, former students and so many others who were touched by her light, optimism, joy and kindness. While our hearts are beyond broken at our immeasurable loss, we know the legacy she leaves behind will carry us through the difficult times.

We would like to express our appreciation for the many family, friends, colleagues and even strangers who have shown such generosity during her battle, giving so freely of their time, donations, words of encouragement and more. We also wish to thank the doctors, nurses, therapists and medical support staff who helped us through these trying times. Special thanks to Dr. Hutch.

We invite you to share your thoughts of Julie here on this blog - whether it's a special memory, a recollection of a time you spent together, a favorite song or story you shared, or anything you would like her family and loved ones to know. We are comforted by your words and thoughts and know they will continue to bring us peace in the challenging days ahead.

For those asking how they may help the family, continued contributions to "Julie Leal's Fight Against Cancer" Go Fund Me page are welcomed and appreciated, and will be used for outstanding medical, household and other related expenses. You can donate at:https://www.gofundme.com/julie-leals-fight-against-cancer

Thank you ...  

March 31
March 31
I miss you so much! Wish I could pick up the phone and share everything that's going on! You continue to impact my life!
March 31
March 31
Happy Birthday Julie! We miss you and think of u often. I hope u know how much everyone misses you and may your spirit be w us always! ☮️✝️
March 31
March 31
Happy Birthday Julie, not a day goes by that I dont think about you. I always listen to blackbird. I miss getting your birthday and Christmas cards. You truly were one of a kind. I love you always!
March 31
March 31
Happy Birthday J and Happy Easter one of your favorite days of the year. We love you always. Celebrating your beautiful spirt today. I know you are smiling wherever you are!!
Love always me and the boys.
May 22, 2023
May 22, 2023
Time goes on and we still miss you!! I saw a cardinal several times this morning. I thought to myself, "must be Julie"! Thanks for looking out for us!
May 22, 2023
May 22, 2023
I think of you often....I'm sure you are watching from above and are so proud of your boys and the amazing job David is doing with them...
May 22, 2023
May 22, 2023
It’s been 6 years, you would be so proud of the boys. The journey continues.
May 22, 2023
May 22, 2023
Had fun reading all the past tributes! I sure wish u would be here to see how good your boyZ look, smart athletic and David’s commitment to helping them stay healthy and happy!
Miss u so much ☮️✝️
May 22, 2022
May 22, 2022
How can it possibly be 5 years since you have been gone? I feel your presence all the time. I pray for Dave, your Mom, and of course, the boys!! I miss hearing your voice so much! Love you forever!!

Sheila
April 1, 2022
April 1, 2022
So many times yesterday I thought of sweet Julie! It's hard to believe that another birthday has come and gone without her here to celebrate! I am a better person for having known her. No one showed unconditional love more than Julie. More times than not, I have asked myself "what would Julie do?" The answer is always forgive, accept, love, be positive... Miss you, sweet friend!!
March 31, 2022
March 31, 2022
I miss my "best friend since birth" today more than ever. So happy that I now live so close to her final resting place so I can visit her often. I know she is with me and all those she loved and touched throughout her short life, and we are all better for it. Love and miss you oh so much, Jules!
March 31, 2022
March 31, 2022
Love you Jules. Never a day goes by that I don't think of you. Happy Birthday!!!
March 31, 2022
March 31, 2022
Happy Birthday sweet lady! Left us w the sweetest memories ☮️✝️
May 22, 2021
May 22, 2021
How time flies! I miss hearing your voice! May you be resting in peace as I remember you on this sad day 4 hrs ago ☮️✝️
March 31, 2021
March 31, 2021
Happy Birthday sweet lady! Miss u more as days go by. I just know you are so proud of how your david if raising your BOYZ!!! They continually amaze me with all they do. God only knows why he takes us when he does .
Whatever his reason I m sure your are filling and important role with much peace.☮️☮️☮️

With much love until we all meet again
✝️✝️
March 31, 2021
March 31, 2021
Happy Birthday baby, I can see you smiling as you always did and I know you can hear us singing you a happy birthday song today. We will celebrate your day of birth as we always do. Smiles amd cheerful memories, love you forever!! DDM
March 31, 2021
March 31, 2021
Happy Birthday, Aunti Julie,
       It's so true. I think of you every day. Your smile was Infectious. I will never forget all the things you did for me and the homemade cake you and the boys made for Albert. I love you and miss you every day! Cass
March 30, 2021
March 30, 2021
Happy birthday, Julie!! I think of you often and pray daily for Dave, the boys, and your Mom! Thanks for your intervention last fall!!
May 25, 2020
May 25, 2020
I think of Julie often as so many things remind me of her. Rainbows especially remind me of Julie as I saw the most beautiful one the day she went to Heaven. I only knew her for a few years and wish there would have been many more than that. Never forgotten.
May 22, 2020
May 22, 2020
3 years and seems like yesterday. I am sure Julie is looking down on her guys and feeling proud. Missed.
April 1, 2020
April 1, 2020
Happy Birthday Julie, we know you are up in heaven looking down on us, we miss you and think of you often. You actually came to me in a dream the other night and gave me a heart shapped painted rock and told me that friendship is forever. You were always so good at giving people beautiful home made gifts and making them feel special. Thank you for being you and having touched our hearts, we love you... Until we meet again.
April 1, 2020
April 1, 2020
Wishing you were here watching your boys growing up and with your loving husband.
March 31, 2020
March 31, 2020
Happy Birthday Julie we miss you ur the stars that shine above...
March 31, 2020
March 31, 2020
Happy Heavenly birthday Julie! She would be so proud of David as he is doing a great job with Daniel and Marcus! Always, doing the best for them. Committed to being part of their academics and sports which they are excelling in, Nicely!. But, they had a loving mom who taught them some good fundamentals to navigate this tough workd. I wish u could taste their cooking! Not to mention what an admirable relationship they all three have with one another ❤️ Until we meet again We think if you all the time
March 31, 2020
March 31, 2020
Happy Birthday, Julie. We will always have you in our hearts and mind. We miss you now as much as always and will always remember the great mother amd wife you were. Love you forever babe. Me and the boys talk about you often and celebrate the things you did and the light you shined on the earth. We will have a small celebration in your honor today. Love you, J.
May 22, 2019
May 22, 2019
I remember Ingrid n Jullie as a employee of LPIH she was so young and ambitous then. Was a sport player. Ingrid would share her memories about her daughter. Got to meet her she was bright, cheerful, happy always. Ingrid also was a gr8 memory for me. Sad to say farewell but our journey is alive until we all meet ...god bless you all!!
May 22, 2019
May 22, 2019
It’s been two years since you left this earth and we miss you and love you everyday. The boys will celebrate 5th grade graduation today and I know how proud you would be of them, I know your spirt is with them today and everyday. Time is not of great importance because as we all know love transcends all dimensions including time. I love you forever my beautiful wife. God bless you.
March 31, 2019
March 31, 2019
There are so many times I think of Julie. Every time I hear the song Rhiannon is the first. Driving by Sandy Ridge Park is another and sadly when I drive by St Rose Hospital. 
How I wish she was here today so we could celebrate her birthday. She will live on in Dave, Marcus and Daniel's hearts forever with memories that will never fade.
Happy Birthday in Heaven Julie.
May 22, 2018
May 22, 2018
Thinking of you my beautiful sister, I know your watching down on your family. Those sweet boys will forever have you in their ♥️.
June 20, 2017
June 20, 2017
I went to Gibson in 2nd and 3rd grade, 2013-15, and I remember if I went there for 4th grade, I would do anything to get Ms. Leal. I had a bond with her husband, David, because I saw him several times with Julie and he worked as a PE teacher for a few weeks at my new school. He no longer works at my school, but my prayers go out to David, Marcus and Daniel, and Julie Leal's family
June 10, 2017
June 10, 2017
It is so true that the melody lingers on just like memories. This day I can still hear and see things in my head about my mom. My brother had a look on his face just this past Wednesday. My mother would make the same facial expressions when she was around. So, I say to Miss Julie's family allow the melody to linger on and on. Julie will always be around by the sound of a bird, a book she read, and songs she sung. I am praying for the family to be in peace. "May you have undeserved kindness and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 1:2
June 9, 2017
June 9, 2017
Hello Julie, Idene here. I remember meeting you at Vons 146. It was in Tustin calif. You were a checker / supervisor . I remember you always being so happy and bubblie. Ur boyfriend at that time was David Leal who worked in the meet dept.. Ur father Ron got transferred from that store which in turn allowed you to come to that store.. I remember thinking to myself that you were such a lucky girl because not only were you so happy and nice but... you were so smart. I knew you had a good future whatever you decided to do because smartness comes natural to this girl. Well obviously I was right. Not only were you a great teacher but most importantly you were a great mother and wife.. I am glad I got to meet you in my lifetime.. You are an Angel now!!!!!
June 9, 2017
June 9, 2017
I first met dear Julie at a workshop a friend and I presented for MISD teachers. Julie's delight and enthusiasm for teaching brightened the setting, and all of us realized that day that MCKINNEY had gained a truly genuine professional and wonderful person. Julie continued to attend our workshops and she inspired all of us to be the best we could be and to impart all that we could to our students and colleagues.
I had custody of my great niece for three years, and I loved running into Julie at the learning center her boys and my niece attended. She gave me some excellent advice about parenting. This was priceless to me since I had never raise any children of my own!
We were sad when Julie moved to Nevada, yet we knew that she would continue to shine and bring love and joy to all who knew her. I remember when I thought seriously about moving to Nevada. Without even asking her to help me in my job search, she jumped in, gave me names of people to contact and she offered to help me. I decided to stay where I was because my dad's health was not as great as it should have been at that time. I remember Julie telling me that family was the most important thing in the world and that she appreciated my decision to stay near my family. This event happened soon after her family had relocated to NV. She shared her joy and excitement about her parents being near her and how much her boys loved having them close! Julie always had a welcome mat for any of her Txas friends desiring a visit to her home and to NV.
All in all Julie was a lovely person with a heart bigger than the Universe. She was unselfish and generous. She was the best mother and wife in the planet all the while giving her students th BEST EDUCATION possible. I am so blessed and grateful to have known this Earth Angel. Each of us should strive to model our lives after Julie's. The world be a perfect place if we had more "Julie-minded" people. I send love and comforting light to Julie's family and friends.
June 5, 2017
June 5, 2017
I knew Julie when she was young girl. I worked for Ingrid her mother. So I was able to hear and see Julie as she was growing up. What I especially loved about Julie is her laugh and her smile. I can say from the time she was a little girl to young lady - she always cared about others and had the most positive spirit. I always saw her as a bright sweet kind person who really enjoyed life. Her joy was contagious - you could not be around her without laughing and feeling joy. She lit up the room whenever she was there. She is the child every parent wants and I am sure the wife and mother every husband and child deserves. She made herself known on this earth - she will be loved and missed by all that knew and loved her. My love to her family. May the sweet memories fill your hearts with the love I know she felt for you.
June 4, 2017
June 4, 2017
I think and pray for Julie daily and have been since she first fell ill. We met when my twins played soccer with her twins a couple of years ago.

She was always smiling, positive and loved her 3 boys. Being a mom was her life dream and she did it well! We had a couple of medical things in common, so I was really drawn to her as she was great support for current things and good to talk to about past things.

I regret that we didn't get together more after the soccer seasons were over. I was in contact via FB and talked to her when I had "teacher/school" frustrations w/ our school and she was always there to give me advice. 

I loved hearing about and seeing the family vacations and outings they did. They were truly quality family time. Seal Beach will always remind me of her.

A couple of funny moments:

During one of our soccer games when her and Dave were the coaches, they were both out on the field coaching during a game. I think the other coached complained that we had two coaches out there. The other coach was not nearly as positive as the Leal Dual and I think he was just jealous. He made the ref kick Julie off the field. I don't remember exactly what she said as she took the sideline with the parents, but it was funny. Seeing her 'upset' was not normal and she handled herself well and with humor.

I remember as we were at the year end party and the parents were sharing stories about our parents. Her story about how her mom and dad called while her and Dave were out at a casino having a night out and was scolded like a teenager for not being home. I, of course, cannot tell it nearly as funny and animated as she did, but we all had a good laugh.

We all know what an amazing person she was and loved by so many as she loved so many. A great loss to those of us on earth. I know she is up there watching over all her family and friends and I will see her again.

Julie, you were so kind hearted and had an amazing spirit and soul...gone too soon. Rest in Peace
K C
June 3, 2017
June 3, 2017
I didn't know Julie very well and didn't know about her cancer battle. What I will remember most is her smile!! As a cancer survivor, I always wanted to smile for everyone even though I was having my own issues so they wouldn't know or feel my pain. Our kids played football and ran track together and it was always a pleasure seeing her smiling face. I loved that she talked every football game and sent me pictures and videos. She loved her family and she will definitely be missed. Thank you for helping me remember to smile no matter what.
June 3, 2017
June 3, 2017
I was thinking about the last time I spoke to Julie. It was just a few weeks ago. I had written to let her know I would be moving to Las Vegas soon with my family and I was excited to be able to spend more time with her and her family. She asked me to call her. When I did she wanted to know all about my plans for the move. With all that she was going through with her health she didn't hesitate to offer us all the support she could from connections for employment to adjusting to our environment. Said she would be there every step of the way. That's the kind of person Julie was. She put aside her own issues to help others through theirs. She was extremely special. ❤️
June 2, 2017
June 2, 2017
Jayden was honored to be in Julie's class for the past two years. Julie has been an amazing teacher, and friend to our family. To sum up what she has done for Jaydens life could fill up a book. Julie changed his life because of her constant unwavering belief in him and in us as a family. What I learned from her is love. Pure love that she showed daily for her kids at school and especially for her 3 boys. David, Marcus, and Daniel she loved you with such a deep and powerful love. You were always her universe. Seeing her smile and twinkling eyes made me believe in this world even more. Thank you Julie from the bottom of our hearts for being Amazing, Passionate, Inspiring, and Devoted YOU. We love you and as always Keep Going Driver!!! ❤️
June 2, 2017
June 2, 2017
Julie's Huge Impact on Our Family. "Jayden Barr Best Man Mrs Leal's Class"


Jayden got 18 out of 27 votes for the Principals Award.

Which means 18 of his classmates voted him the best boy of his class.

All of the students were asked to write a letter individually on why they picked the best boy for the class. As we read the letters out loud tonight, tears were in my eyes. He really is a great kid. One who is just filled with so much love, joy, kindness, leadership, brains, and he is pretty handsome too.

Look how far we have come. Jayden was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism before he was 3 years old. We were told he would not show emotion, care about others, give affection, the words used that will haunt me forever is "mild mental retardation" and "He will never be a leader"

Fast forward to 8 years later and look at our wonderful ray of sunshine. 

I love that his peers recognize how amazing he is. We are so grateful that they see how incredible he is.

Julie had unwavering belief in Jayden. When a new obstacle came up she was the 1st to say he can do it. In January we had a meeting at school with Julie's encouragement to have him go 100% in the General Education Classroom. Our training wheels came off and we let him fly. When Julie got sick in February he lost his security blanket but he gained so much confidence before she got sick, she set him up for success and to soar.

From the sweet little boy that banged his head on tile floors at the age of 3 to the Best Boy at the age of 11 loved and voted on by his peers. Look how far he has come. He has worked so hard and it is in thanks to Julie. Julie was Jayden's 2nd Mom as she was to all of her students. She has changed all of our lives. Thank you for everything. We are beyond grateful.

We love you Julie ❤️
June 1, 2017
June 1, 2017
Julie was a special co teacher at RJE. I admired her for her loving example as well as her ability as a teacher. 
She was trying so hard to have children. We were so happy when she announced she was pregnant with twins. She loved her babies so much.
May 31, 2017
May 31, 2017
I did not know Julie well. I only met her a few times. But I do know she was a passionate writing teacher...keenly interested helping young writers find their voice. In a broader sense, she was (clearly) a fine teacher. I'm deeply saddened to hear of her death at such a young age. My heart goes out to those closest to her.
May 31, 2017
May 31, 2017
Julie was my master teacher in the Fall of 2002 when she taught first grade at Piggott ES. She was amazing!!! Julie had such a passion for teaching. Because of Julie's effort to make me the best teacher I could be, I went on to teach first grade for 11 years. I still sing songs she taught me like "Spooky Walk" and "Rhyming Words." Julie was also a friend which makes me feel very lucky and grateful. May she rest in peace.
May 30, 2017
May 30, 2017
Julie truly was an amazing person. I always remember her baking. When I was a little girl she had made me a rice krispy cake and I thought that was the most amazing cake. I loved how she cared for everyone and would stop everything just to help someone. When I got older my husband and I went to go visit Julie, David and the boys. Julie and I were talking and I told her today is my husband birthday. She stopped everything and said we need to make him a cake. Man she was a whiz in the kitchen. she wasted no time making him a cake and frosting all from scratch. She also got the boys to make him cards. We all sang Albert Happy Birthday! It was one of the best Birthdays we got to celebrate with Julie. It truly was a blessing. We will always remember you Julie. We love you David and the boys you are in our prayers.
May 30, 2017
May 30, 2017
She is Gone




You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she’s gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she’d want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.



David Harkins, © 1981
Silloth, Cumbria, UK
Poetic Expressions





 This beautiful poem is so comforting to me so I hope it will be to Julie's parents ,husband ,children & many friends & family members.
May 30, 2017
Remembering our precious time together. The girls absolutely loved the rosaries you and boys gave them. We will pray them with and for you.

Praying for strength and understanding ~ ❤️
May 29, 2017
May 29, 2017
Julie and I worked together briefly at Bendorf Elementary. Although we did not teach in the same grade level, her room was just down the hall from me so we crossed paths frequently. Once on a Friday night I stayed late to catch up on my work. I figured it was about 5 and that no one else was there besides the custodians. I cranked up Michael Jackson's "Earthsong" while I worked. All of a sudden she came running down the hall, struck a pose in my doorway with her fist and thumb as a microphone, and started belting out the lyrics! First of all, she scared the heck outta me because I thought I was alone, then second of all I laughed at her antics and clapped! I turned the music down and she said "Let's go home! It's late!" We chatted briefly about the job of a teacher and having a family. She told me family first. Always. Then we packed up to leave.
Although our encounters were brief, they are certainly memorable. She left an indelible impression upon children and adults alike. I hope I can be half the teacher, friend, mommy and human being that she was. David, Marcus and Daniel....you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Enjoy Earthsong

https://youtu.be/XAi3VTSdTxU
May 29, 2017
May 29, 2017
The first time I met Julie she affected my life deeply and continues to til this day. That first time David was still at work and met up with the rest of us later. As soon as he walked in her face lit up and all conversation stopped so she could hug and kiss him and tell him how much she missed him. My first thought was "but you just saw him this morning before work! How could you miss him already?" That's when I realized that was the kind of love I wanted! David and Julie are an amazing example of unconditional love. Over the years I grew to truly admire Julie.... the way she always chose positivity, the way she loved her husband and children with everything she had, the way she supported everyone she met in their struggles and celebrated their successes, and so much more. She truly was one of the most beautiful souls I had the pleasure of meeting. I have so much love for her ❤️
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Recent Tributes
March 31
March 31
I miss you so much! Wish I could pick up the phone and share everything that's going on! You continue to impact my life!
March 31
March 31
Happy Birthday Julie! We miss you and think of u often. I hope u know how much everyone misses you and may your spirit be w us always! ☮️✝️
March 31
March 31
Happy Birthday Julie, not a day goes by that I dont think about you. I always listen to blackbird. I miss getting your birthday and Christmas cards. You truly were one of a kind. I love you always!
Recent stories

3rd Anniversary

May 22, 2020
We will forever be left with an emptiness without you in our lives. You have left us with two precious gifts. I hope you can see how great they look, dad is making sure they have what they need and takes them on vacations, hiking and of course cooking for them. They are natural athletes, stellar students, too! I know you engraved good moral ethics and study habits for them since before they were born, lol!!! We miss you for sure till we meet again

Thinking of you and your family today

May 22, 2019

Julie,

I still have your 'program' for your celebration of life and look at it almost everyday as it's right next the the TV in my bedroom (LOL)....  I think of your family and the great loss they suffered and also ALL the great times they had with you.


Wishing all of you peace.


Cindy Lowman

Happy Birthday 51 today

March 31, 2019

Happy birthday Julie, me and the boys will be thinking of you and celebrating your special day. Cake and sharing stories with laughter will be part of our day today. Love you always and forever.

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