Clarita Leija

Obituary for Clarita Leija (nací Candelaria) May 15, 1933 – June 2, 2025

Clarita Leija, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of the San Jose community, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, at the age of 92. Clarita was born in Albuquerque, May 15,1933 to parents Leopoldo and Elena Candelaria. She was married in 1957 to Johnny Leija, but her husband passed away in 2005. 

Clarita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Leija, with whom she shared a full and devoted life. Also, she was preceded in death by mother, Elena Candelaria, father, Leopoldo Candelaria, grandson, Kenneth Leija, grandson, Marcus Leija, granddaughter, Terese Padilla, and great-grandson, Enrique Leija. She never remarried, honoring his memory and the bond they built together. She was the proud mother of eight children: Mabel T. Padilla (Norman), John L. “Larry” Leija, David M. Leija (Dorothy), James A. Leija (Alma), Bruce E. Leija, Kenneth J. Leija, Abel B. Leija (Barbara), and Leila A. Leija. Her legacy lives on through her 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, each of whom she loved dearly.

She grew up in Albuquerque and graduated from Albuquerque High School. She was a strong-willed lady who only wanted others to express and do what was good and righteous. Clarita was involved with Democratic Party Politics in the 1970’s and 1980’s. She then worked as a teacher's assistant, in support of developing young minds, thereafter, in the Elementary Schools and retired from Albuquerque Public Schools around 2012.

She was a devoted Catholic and was a lifetime member of San Jose Parish. At San Jose Parish she sang, since the 1970’s, with the choir for Sunday 10:30 mass and sang at other choir activities throughout the year. She also taught catechism to children making their first holy communion. She was always involved with her church in some form or fashion.

Known for her strength, independence, and unmistakable laugh, Clarita brought joy and wisdom wherever she went. Whether she was surrounded by family, creating art, visiting dear friends, or enjoying a burger at The Downs Casino—one of her favorite weekly outings—Clarita lived life fully and unapologetically.

She had a heart for helping others, never turning away a family member or stranger in need, which is the kind of love Jesus desired of his disciples Clarita was never shy to share her opinions—firm but always rooted in love and honesty. She was a mother not only to her children but to many in the community who looked to her for guidance, support, and care.

Clarita Leija will be remembered as a pillar of love, strength, and generosity. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the impact she made in her family and community will continue for generations to come.

Pallbearers are John Larry Leija, Robert Leija, Kenneth Leija, Abel Leija, Leila Leija and Leo Candelaria.

Schedule

Monday, June 23, 2025

Viewing – 2 – 4pm, Riverside Funeral Home, 225 San Mateo N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87108

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Rosary – 8am, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 9502 Fourth ST NW, Albuquerque NM, 87114

Mass – 9am, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 9502 Fourth ST NW, Albuquerque NM, 87114

Burial – 10:30am – 11am, Mount Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Reception – following burial, food provided, Church Hall, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 9502 Fourth ST NW, Albuquerque NM, 87114