Genevieve Adeline "Viva" De León

Genevieve De León ObituaryVisit the Harrell Funeral Home of Austin website to view the full obituary.Genevieve "Viva" De León passed away February 2, 2026, peacefully at home in Austin, Texas. Born in San Jose, California, she spent her early years in Southern California before moving to the Bay Area for college. She met her future husband of 62 years, the late Gustavo O. De León, while working at Hamilton Air Force Base in Marin County. They married and together reported to USAF duty stations in Massachusetts, Panama, and Arizona before settling with their three children in McAllen, Texas.A devoted mother and tireless volunteer, Viva anchored her young family in love and stability at home, and volunteered as a Girl Scout/Boy Scout parent, PTO member, and school event volunteer to extend that support for her children outside the home. She balanced raising her family with advocacy for maternal and infant health as director of a local chapter of the March of Dimes in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.Throughout her life, Viva loved dogs, especially Shetland Sheepdogs, which the family owned three over the years (Chico, Gunner, and Tigger). There was also a pair of stray cats (Big Cat and Little Kitty) that appeared on the porch one day and did not need to wait long for a bowl of water and crunchy food to make them feel right at home. Viva and her husband devoted themselves to the care of those lucky cats as their kids began to leave for college and other exciting adventures away from home.Viva was a superior crossword puzzle solver and avid reader of mysteries, sharing her love of reading with her children who she inspired through regular visits to the public library while growing up. Well-versed in local and world affairs, she followed international and local sports closely. She was a Texas Exes Life Member and cheered on the Longhorns and all University of Texas Men's and Women's sports.She was wise, generous, and cared deeply about her family. She demonstrated astonishing bravery in the face of adversity and health challenges until the very end. Her family will remember her incredible resilience, sacrifice, and love.Mrs. De León was preceded in death by her husband, Gustavo O. De Leon USAF Ret; her parents, Gustav, and Mildred Enborg; her sister, Maxine Gerbing/husband Tom Gerbing; her brother, Norwin Enborg; her beloved daughter-in-law Martha Stewart De León; as well as nephews Jimmy De León, Ernie De León, Spencer St. Germain, and Oscar De León.She is survived by her son Gustavo De León Jr.; daughters Dianne De León and Darcy De Leon/husband Steve Budd; her grandsons, Dashiell Budd and Rusty Budd who will carry forward the love she instilled in them; her sister, Anenna Enborg; and numerous nieces and nephews.The family thanks Compassus Hospice for their care, compassion, and professionalism during this challenging time. In lieu of flowers, please consider volunteering or donating to the Austin Humane Society or the March of Dimes.A graveside service will be held at 2 pm, March 13, 2026, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.Read The Full ObituaryTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.