Leila Cruz Behney

At the age of 67, Leila passed away surrounded by her children and loved ones on May 21, 2026, in Fairfield, California.

Leila was a devoted and compassionate woman, born on July 3, 1958, to Leonarda and Conrado Austria Cruz.

She grew up and spent her younger years in Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines. In 1984, she moved to the United States as the wife of a military servicemember. She spent many years in the Fairfield–Suisun area, where she raised her four children while working full-time. Although she divorced in 1992, she chose not to change her last name because she wanted to share the same surname as her children, whom she loved and cared for deeply.

Throughout her career, she held several management positions at Cache Creek and briefly worked at Casino San Pablo. In 2001, she faced and overcame a courageous battle with cancer after undergoing surgery. After recovering and regaining her strength, she prospered and thrived as she returned to the workforce as a dedicated single mother. In 2008, she moved to Sacramento and soon embraced one of her greatest joys in life—becoming a full time grandmother.

Leila was a remarkable woman who cherished spending time with family and enjoyed celebrating life whenever she could. She loved road trips and traveled often to visit family and friends. Despite the distance, she remained closely connected to her loved ones in Angeles City and made frequent visits home.

Growing up as a proud Kapampangan, Leila loved to cook and could feed a village if given the chance. Cooking was her love language, and she took great joy in preparing everyone's favorite meals. Her signature dishes were known and loved by all who gathered around her table.

She also cherished the memories she shared with her batch mates and recently celebrated with the Holy Angel High School Class of 1975, where they received awards and recognition.

Through the values she instilled and the legacy she leaves behind, Leila will always be remembered and deeply loved. Her nurturing spirit, unwavering support, generous heart, and boundless love will forever live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.

Leila is survived by her four children, Kenny, Casey, Anthony, and Khristine; and her nine grandchildren: Kyle, Ethan, Mason, Caylee, Kennedy, Clara, Tilly, RJ, and Kai.