Margaret Ellen Hill Leal

Margaret Ellen Hill Leal, 99, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, with her family by her side. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlos E. Leal Jr.; children, Patrick David and Brenda Jill Leal; grandchildren, Wesley and Dustin Turner; parents, Martin Luther and Mary Hazel (Johnson) Hill; brothers, Robert, Richard, Joseph, and John Hill; and sisters, Helen Lorch and Barbara Weedon. Margaret, known as Margie, was born August 25, 1926, in the small town of Alliance, Nebraska. After graduating high school from St. Agnes Academy, she met her “one-and-only,” the future CSM Carlos E. Leal, Jr., who was stationed there while training for WWII. She attended Nebraska State Teachers College and taught several grade levels in a one-room schoolhouse. Margie and Carlos married upon his return from the war, and she began her esteemed role as a U.S. Army wife. Together they traveled the world, growing their family with each move. Family was the focus of Margie's life. She was completely devoted to nurturing her children and grandchildren and providing guidance, love and stability. As a devout Catholic, she prioritized Sunday mass for her family, sending all 7 children to church in handmade, perfectly starched clothes. She encouraged all of her sons to serve as altar boys and ensured her children’s education at local Catholic schools. Hard-working, loyal, selfless and frugal, Margie’s character reflected her status as a member of “The Greatest Generation.” She was a model of resilience and strength. After her husband’s tragic death in 1972, Margie found herself a single mother with 5 small children still needing her care. Remarkably, she managed to provide for them and advance her own education, earning an Associate in Business degree and an Associate in Education degree at Fayetteville Technical Community College. She persevered throughout a lifetime of challenge, change and loss, remaining deeply grounded in faith and love. Even in recent years, her door--and heart--were always open for a cup of coffee, a shared laugh, and a bit of motherly advice. Margie is survived by her sons, Michael (Rachel), Charles “Chick” (Kelly), David (Angelika), Patrick, and Timothy (Jen); daughter, Sandra Turner; brother, George Hill (Valerie); 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. The family extends our deep gratitude to the staff at Bethesda Health Care for their attentive, compassionate care. A funeral will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Fayetteville. The family will receive visitors at 12:00 pm, followed by mass at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider an offering to St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Margaret Ellen Hill Leal

August 25, 1926 - February 6, 2026