Leonila McGregor

Surrounded by her children, Leonila “Alma” Madrigal McGregor passed away peacefully at her home on August 5, 2022, in Houston, TX, at the age of 81. She was born on July 3, 1941, in Picachos, Rosario Sinaloa, Mexico.

Alma is preceded in death by her husband, William Edward McGregor, her parents Magdalena Dominguez and Manuel Madrigal, her daughter Martha Silvia Ramos Madrigal, brother Anthony and sister Maria Elena. She is survived by her children, Marion Cook, Lillian (Joel) Kaiser, Murray Bay, and Rosa (Derek Pearson) Bay; 15 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by many other relatives and friends.

Alma came to the United States in the early 1960’s from a small town in Mexico. She was the young bride of a paratrooper, and they made a good life on the Army base in Ft. Campbell Kentucky. She learned how to speak English by watching soap operas. When leaving the Army, they moved to Webster, New York to raise their family. Alma became a single mother when her children were very young. She lived in Marion, New York with her children and there she purchased her first home after becoming an American Citizen, something for which she was very proud. She moved her family from Marion, New York to Waller, Texas in the late 1970’s. Alma was a hardworking, talented seamstress. She ran a successful tailoring and upholstery business for over 50 years. Alma sewed for her customers to make a living, but she was truly happy when she was sewing clothes and other projects for her children and grandchildren.

Alma loved and was loved by so many. She was a creative, courageous, and determined woman who possessed integrity and grit. She was a self-less, dedicated, and determined mother and grandmother who thought her family was everything. She was a die-hard Astros fan and was Jose Altuve’s number one fan. If the Astros were playing and she could get the game on TV, she would be watching. She will most definitely be cheering them on from Heaven.

“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”---Shannon Adler –

Alma’s name has been carved into the hearts of many. She will live on in the hearts of her family and friends who miss her immensely.

Visitation will be held Monday, August 8,2022 from 4-7 pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral Mass will be at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, 11507 Huffmeister Rd., Houston TX, on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 11:30 am, with Father Vincent officiating. Interment will be at the Woodlawn Cemetery, 1101 Antoine Dr. Houston,TX., with Deacon Jack Alexander presiding over the Committal.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Houston Methodist Hospital Surgical and Liver ICU, and Harbor Hospice for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington VA 22202. www.diabetes.org