Leonora Uribe

Leonora Uribe was born to Dolores Hernandez in San Salvador on Friday July 16, 1954. A playful child and natural-born dreamer, she loved creating imaginary worlds to play within alongside siblings Frankie & Yvette. Around this same period, Leo discovered her passion for performance, producing homemade shows to an audience of family pets and stuffed animals. She eventually emigrated with her family to the United States on April 18, 1962. The eldest child, Leonora's kindness became her most powerful tool for connecting with the world. Her cousin Richard recalls, "Whenever I was doing something I shouldn't have been, Leo would pull me aside and teach me the right way. It wasn't until I was much older that I realized how unique it was for her to teach rather than discipline." As a young woman, Leonora's captivating beauty illuminated every room with a brilliant glow. That stunning physical beauty belied her more profound gifts of grace, kindness, and compassion. Leonora's heart was one of her greatest strengths, sharing endless reserves of tenderness, affection, understanding, patience, and most of all, love. Set up by friends on a blind date to Disneyland in 1974, Leonora met the man she would build a life with. Instantly smitten, he recalls telling friends as she exited the car, "See that woman, I'm gonna marry her!" A whirlwind romance ensued, with the two becoming engaged within 6 months. On December 6th, 1975, Leonora Hernandez entered a new chapter in her life, marrying Ralph Uribe. Shortly after marriage, Leo became pregnant with her first child, giving birth to Jade Anthony Uribe on November 1, 1976. On February 3, 1981, Leonora gave birth to her second son Justin Andre Uribe. In motherhood, her gift for caring and nurturing others became a focal point in her life. It was something she continued throughout her life. A member of Sag-Aftra, Leonora's performing career spanned more than three decades and included credits in television, film, theatre, and commercials. She was a lead performer in several theatrical productions and served as a muse to Chicano playwright Bob Herrera. Leonora was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on July 1, 2008. She was devout in her faith and was a powerful messenger for God throughout her life. Leonora's legacy is one of kindness, love, devotion, and compassion. She regularly went out of her way in service of others. She is survived by her mother, Dolores Hernandez; sisters Yvette Jehdian and Giselle Cerda; cousin Richard Bridge; ex-husband Ralph Uribe; children Jade & Justin Uribe; grandchildren Nautica & Atreyu Uribe; and countless extended family and friends.