San Juana Leal of Lubbock passed away surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at the age of 74. She was born March 25, 1952, in Lubbock, Texas.
San Juana was a strong and devoted woman whose life centered around her family. She raised seven children with strength, determination, and an unwavering love for each of them. Her family always came first, and when they needed her, she was there. At one point, she even stepped away from work so she could remain at home and care for her granddaughter.
Though she was strong, San Juan was also known as the “calm before the storm” in her home. She had a steady presence and a wonderful sense of humor, always enjoying the opportunity to joke around with family and friends. She loved John Wayne and was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, faithfully cheering on her team through the good seasons and the not-so-good ones.
San Juana also had a heart for service, something reflected throughout her working life. She worked as a custodian at Broadway Church of Christ for more than 20 years and later served for eight years as a custodian at the Lubbock State Supported Living Center where she gained the nickname “Big Bird”. She finished her working years at United Supermarkets, retiring in 2021 after two years of service. No matter where she worked, San Juan brought with her the same dependable spirit and willingness to serve others that defined so much of her life.
More than anything, San Juan will be remembered as a woman who loved her family deeply. Her strength helped hold her family together, her humor brought laughter into their lives, and her caring nature made her someone they could always depend upon. The greatest legacy she leaves behind is found in the generations of family she loved, nurtured, and cared for throughout her life.
She is survived by her children, Criscilda Sendejo Castillo and husband Mike, Abel Carrizales Sendejo and wife Amanda, Johnny Joe Sendejo and wife Daphne, and Andy Sendejo, Jr. and wife Jessica, all of Lubbock, and Danielle Leal and husband Javier Lopez of Fresno, California; her siblings, Jesus Carrizales, Connie (Nick) Martinez, Blanca (Rick) Hernandez, and Elgie (Rosa Linda) Carrizales; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry her memory with them.
San Juana was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Andres Sendejo, who passed away in 1998, and Danny Leal, who passed away in 2009; two daughters, Cristina Senjedo and Zhoy Peralez; and seven siblings, Linda Carrizales, Sophia Parras, Joe Carrizales, Richard Carrizales, Jeff Carrizales, Elvira Garza, and Hope Soto.
Services celebrating San Juana’s life are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Venue on Broadway.