Anne Page DeBois

Anne graduated from the Madeira School in Virginia prior to graduating with a degree in interior design from the University of Texas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She was presented as a debutante in both Austin and New York.

After marrying architect John DeBois, they moved to Houston with their son Page. A few years later, Anne and Page moved back to Austin. She worked in interior design and for six years as general manager of the formerly named Zachary Scott Theater, which became financially viable under her watch.

Anne moved to Dallas to attend the renowned Culinary, Pastry and Hospitality Institute. After graduating, she had moved back to Austin when she was contacted by Gov. Mark White's wife, Linda Gale, whom Anne knew from her extensive volunteer work for the Houston and Austin junior leagues.

Recognizing Anne's sophistication, perfectionism and innate talents in leadership, culinary arts and entertaining, Gov. White named her administrator of the Texas Governor's Mansion. Anne served during the terms of governors White, Bill Clements, Ann Richards and George W. Bush, retiring when Rick Perry arrived. She created and nurtured a legendary vegetable and herb garden on the grounds that she used in her delicious, haute cuisine.

Gov. Richards was single, so Anne made decisions usually left to a first lady. Most of the governors were organized, but some not so much. For example, one might call her at 5 p.m. and tell her that 12 were coming for dinner! There was nothing she couldn't handle with style and grace.

For formal dinners and events, the food, flowers and decorating Anne created were stunning, worthy of a state dinner. The Bushes recognized that immense talent and invited her to go to Washington, D.C. with them, but she chose to stay in Austin.

Riding during her childhood at Hobby Horse Stables, Anne was a gifted equestrian. In her teens, she attended Cimarroncita Ranch Camp in New Mexico in the summers and returned as an adult to teach riding and direct their horsemanship program. Anne exhibited horses, especially her beloved Southern Cross, in numerous horse shows across Texas and at Madison Square Garden in New York. She and her horse competed in the hunter and show jumping events, winning many trophies and blue ribbons.

Aside from riding, Anne enjoyed sailing, snow-skiing, camping, canoeing, fishing and hiking. She also loved travel - the United States, Canada, China and Europe, a favorite being Italy.

Anne is predeceased by her father, renowned Austin architect Charles Henry Page Jr., and by her stepmother Billie Page, former husband John DeBois, brothers Charles and Sutton, sister-in-law Ann Varnado Page, daughter-in-law Beth DeBois and her beloved black standard poodle, Max. She is survived by her son Page.

A memorial service will be held on Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. at Weed Corley Fish Funeral home at 2620 S. Congress Ave. Commemorative contributions may be made to Friends of the Governor's Mansion, Zach Theatre or to your favorite charity.