Ann Josephine Leonard

During the 1950's and 60's, Ann's signature achievement in life was operating Anna's Boarding House along with her mother, Anna Janosky. The Oak Cliff establishment served lunches from 11:30-2:00, buffet style, to regulars from Downtown Dallas, the Trinity Industrial Area, the Oak Cliff business district, and a noted Justice of the Peace. In Ann's blunt assertiveness, customers were advised, "Take all you want, but eat all you take." For $2.00, locals enjoyed a delectable palette of meats, vegetables, salads, Czech klobase, and her famous banana pudding.

Ann Josephine Patak (Annie Jo) was born in Ennis, Texas on March 20, 1922. She grew up on the family farm where she learned frugality and self-determination. Her father, John M. Patak, died when she was 14, and she and her mother eventually moved to Dallas, where Ann graduated from W.H. Adamson High School. About that time, she met William J (Bill) Leonard. Married on November 8, 1947, their son, Mark, arrived in 1953. Bill and Ann were married until his death I 1978.

When the Boarding House closed in the late 60's, Ann found employment with the Dallas Independent School District where she flourished for 39 years. Initially, she worked in library processing, and, later, as office manager for the Commandant of the JROTC program. She earned a reputation of running the department with efficiency and military precision, barking orders like a drill sergeant.

In the 80's and 90's she developed a close friendship with Leamon Adams. They were constant companions, but maintained separate households.

Ever devoted to her Catholic faith, she was a member of St. Philip the Apostle Church in Pleasant Grove.

Faithfulness was in her blood, and, throughout her life, she was a motherly role model, confidant, counselor, and supporter of mark. Grandchildren Anna and Grace appeared on the scene in 2000, and immediately became the apples' of her eye.

Ann was always known for her gourmet cooking talents - a bad meal was never served, and certainly do not worry about having enough food. She would prepare for 20 to feed four. She was not happy until she was assured everyone was well fed. In this vein, her last words to Mark, which will be engraved on her headstone, were, "Did I hear you say you were hungry?"

Ann transitioned serenely from this life to the next on April 5, 2017, following a 95-year love affair with life, friends, family, and most especially, her adoring grandchildren. Ann is survived by her son Mark Leonard (Lana), and grandchildren Anna and Grace.

If people eat in heaven, Anna's Boarding House will reopen soon.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 10, 2017 at St. Joseph Residence 330 W. Pembroke Ave. Dallas, Texas 75208. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. with burial to follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery 3235 Lombardy Ln. Dallas, Texas 75220.

In in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Joseph Residence 330 W. Pembroke Ave. Dallas, Texas 75208.