In Memoriam - Leah Marie Matocha (UA '08)

Leah Marie Matocha is the sister of Travis Matocha '10

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Leah Marie Matocha (UA '08)

Leah Marie Matocha born Friday, December 8, 1989 at Richardson Medical Center in Richardson, Texas. She passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at her family home in Plano, Texas, at age 28. The only daughter of Bradley James and Lesa Marie (Kleasner) Matocha, she was cherished and often referred to as "Princess" by her parents.

Leah was raised in the Dallas area with her three brothers, Brad, Travis, and Andrew. Family was important to Leah and she was always a central focus in the Matocha family. She attended St. Mark's Catholic School in Plano, Texas until high school where she graduated from Ursuline Academy of Dallas in 2008. She attended the University of San Diego for a year then transferred to the University of Arkansas. She made lifelong friends from St. Marks, Ursuline, college and various sports clubs she was involved in. Leah will be remembered for her upbeat personality and wonderful heart. She made friends easily anywhere she went in life and was willing to go above and beyond to help those she cared about.

Leah enjoyed her life to the fullest and life was never dull. She went from one amazing adventure to the next. She was a beautiful young woman that had great passion for so many things. Leah was working as a Pilates Instructor, which utilized many of her amazing personality traits and interests. She enjoyed being a nanny and tutoring young children. She also taught chess in the after-school program to Catholic School students and volunteered at Children's Medical Center. When she was younger, she was involved in DECATS, Lead America, Girl Scouts and Indian Princesses. She played and competed in every sport her parents would allow. She had a love for sports that continued throughout her life. She played Varsity Soccer and Lacrosse at Ursuline and played lacrosse in college for the University of San Diego. She continued to participate in recreational leagues due to her outgoing, competitive nature. She loved watching her favorite teams, the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers, with her father, grandfathers, Uncle and friends. She had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed anything outdoors including hiking, climbing, camping and parkouring. She was tremendously creative and enjoyed learning new things such as playing the Ukulele and riding a unicycle. She enjoyed going to concerts with friends and playing games online. She had a way of making people laugh and love more than they thought possible.

Leah was a very intelligent person who did well in school. Her favorite classes in high school were Biology, Latin, and Ceramics. She was uplifted by new ideas and was always searching for inspiration. Her intelligence served her well in every aspect of her life, including humor. She was always ready with a joke to lift people's spirits.

Leah Marie Matocha was a dynamic, self-expressive person who was also fiercely independent. She was always celebrating life and willing to share her experiences with loved ones, friends, and strangers. When she walked into a room, everyone would feel her energy, see her wonderful smile, and she would forever impact anyone she met. Leah touched all with her wit, humor, and caring heart. She was an absolute joy to be around and will be deeply missed by all that knew her. She was a bright light in this world and her soul will continue to shine.

Leah is survived by her parents Brad and Lesa Matocha; brothers Brad, Travis, and Andrew, of Plano. Grandparents Doris & Vince Matocha, Marlene & Don Graham, and Uncle Troy Kleasner.

Leah was preceded in death by her grandfather Dean Kleasner, grandparents Joe & Josie Matocha, and Louise Suedkamp.

Rosary Service, for Leah, with Reverend Paul McCormick O.Cist, will be held Friday, November 2, 2018 from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home 8011 Frankford Road Dallas, Texas 75252.

Visitation with reception will occur Friday, November 2, 2018 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home 8011 Frankford Road Dallas, Texas 75252.

Funeral Mass, with Reverend Paul McCormick O.Cist - Celebrant, will be Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. at St Rita Catholic Church 12521 Inwood Road Dallas, Texas 75244.

Reception will occur Saturday, November 3, 2018 from 2:30 - 5:00 p.m. at St Rita Catholic Church 12521 Inwood Road Dallas, Texas 75244.  Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com for the Matocha family.