Services scheduled for the late Angelina Leal: October 3, 1924 - August 9, 2017

Her parents were immigrants from the Island of Terceira, Azores. Her family moved their dairy from Artesia to Woodville, California, where she resided until 1970. At which time, she moved to the dairy in Lemoore.

Ta is survived by her brother, Tony Leal of Lemoore, and sister, Telvina Gregorio of Bakersfield. Ta is also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, John, Frank, Domingus, Manuel, Joe, Bennie, Sister Elvira, Mary Pinheiro, Myrtle Nunes, Lena Luiz, and Rosa Garcia.

She had many nieces and nephews that she cared for like they were her own. They all loved to visit Ta as she spoiled them with her snacks ensuring none were left hungry; her candy bar drawer rivaled any chocolate factory. Ta had great joy throughout her life having kids around. She was so selfless in looking after them; cooking meals, playing games, keeping them clean, taking care of laundry, her embroidery work, Christmas gifts, and more.

She loved entertaining her nieces and nephews by playing games indoors and outdoors daily. They knew to keep a sharp eye on Ta because she was known to hide cards or parts of games so she would win. It was common during these times that anyone outside could hear lots of laughter and shrieks with much joy and competitive play around Ta's house.

When Ta was older, she took special care of some while their parents worked which was never a job for her, but something that kept her going every day as they loved them especially dearly. She also cooked for many large family gatherings, making sure there was plenty of food for everyone.

Ta had incredible faith in God, the Blessed Mary, and the Catholic Church. Prayer and rosary were essential to her. She was dedicated to attending church weekly as much as her health would allow.

Growing up humbly in a dairy farming family she cared for other babies, the calves. She worked immensely hard her entire life to feed and nurture them. Often naming them, singing to them, and celebrating when they thrived. She set the example for the younger generations of never giving up and working hard.

She was very strong, inside and out, throughout her entire life. No matter the weather; rain, heat, frost, or sunshine and no matter how ill she might have gotten at times, she was always there to feed her calves. The vision of Ta being ready to go to work before dawn in her cherished black step side truck with the tank in the bed filled with sloshing milk for her calves will be well-cherished and respected by many.

To quote Max Lucado in his book, Beyond Heaven's Door, and what God says regarding the human body, "Let's finish with the one you have, and then I have a surprise." Also, scripture (Phil. 3:21 TLB), "He will take these dying bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like his own." With this, we give gratitude for Ta and the many lives that knew, loved and cherished her, and we can celebrate her glory in heaven with her family and of course, her baby calves.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. at Phipps-Dale Funeral Chapel in Lemoore. A Vigil Rosary Service will be held on Saturday at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lemoore at 9:30 A.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10:00 A.M. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Friends who wish can make donations in Ta’s memory to the Nazareth House of Fresno, 2121 N. First St., Fresno, CA 93703.