Carol Leach

Carol Leach, passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Albuquerque, NM.

She is survived by her husband, brother and sister-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Kevin David Lynch Hockmuth, Sr. of Los Lunas, New Mexico, nephew Mr. Andrew Leach of Carthage, Illinois, nieces: Mrs. Erich Bergman of Carthage, Illinois, Mrs. Rafael Olguin of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and nephew, Mr. Kevin David Lynch Hockmuth, Jr. of Los Lunas.

A longtime resident of Santa Fe, Ms. Leach was born on August 11, 1949, and raised in Lubbock, Texas. She received her undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University, an M.A. in Journalism from the University of Wyoming, and her law degree from Texas Tech University (Order of the Coif). She began practicing law in Santa Fe in 1978 with Brown, Bain & Bingaman, becoming a partner. In 1984, she became General Counsel for the Corrections Department of the State of New Mexico. In 1988, she became General Counsel for the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department of the State of New Mexico. She returned to private practice, joining Beatty & Wozniak P. A. in 2010 and, in 2012, Concho Resources (acquired by ConocoPhillips). She retired in 2021. She married Donald E. Hockmuth, Jr., on April 20, 1996.

She was a parishioner of Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community for the past thirty years.

Services will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (619 Copper Ave NW, 87102). Rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM. Mass will begin at 10:00 AM. Carol will be laid to rest at Mount Calvary Cemetery, located on 1900 Edith Blvd NE, 87102, following the Mass, where we will bid a farewell to a remarkable woman whose contributions to her community and love for those around her will resonate for generations to come.

The family respectfully suggests that gifts in Ms. Leach’s memory be made to the American Cancer Society.