Alyce Leyva

Memorial graveside service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 26 at Woodbine Cemetery for Alyce Hernandez Leyva of Artesia, New Mexico. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Terpening & Son Mortuary.

Alyce H. Leyva, 66, a lifelong resident of Artesia, N.M., passed away on Friday, August 18, 2017 in the comfort of her own home. Though it was her second battle with cancer, she departed looking just as beautiful in her elegant pink chiffon robe as she did each day she graced this earth with her presence.

Alyce was born October 16, 1950 in Artesia to Fernando Hernandez and Maria Louisa (Sosa) Hernandez. On March 15, 1973 she was married to Ismael Molina Leyva in Carlsbad, N.M.

Alyce was a local nurse for over 40 years. During her time of working in the doctor's offices, nursing home, hospital and private residences she was in close contact with much of the community. Due to her natural affinity for being a caregiver of the community she couldn't step more than a few feet in any local grocery store or shop without encountering someone she had touched on a personal level, and engaging in a warm and friendly conversation. Anyone closely acquainted with Alyce was privileged to have sampled and savored her exquisite cooking. Her homemade feasts of comforting dishes will be missed considerably, especially by her family. Though she was the middle child she was looked up to by all her loved ones. She was always the one they looked to so she could take charge, or they all knew she would anyway. She was certainly the purple sparkly glittery glue holding everyone together.

She was preceded in death by her loving and counter force in life, husband Ismael Molina Leyva, her nurturing father Fernando Hernandez, and her mother Maria Louisa (Sosa) Hernandez.

Survivors include her sons Sy Leyva and wife Stephanie of Albuquerque, N.M. and Edwin Leyva and wife Adrienne of Roswell, N.M.; sisters Nancy Harding, Helen Acosta, and Rosa Hernandez all of Artesia and Vivian Hernandez of Roswell; brother Fernando Hernandez of Roswell; and grandchildren Jayden and Nate.

A reception is scheduled for all to attend at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church following the service.

Service