May 28, 1939 – December 17, 2014
One of the world’s kindest, most generous, and most beloved people left this earth for her place in heaven on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 after a series of illnesses. Nola Ann McNamara Jordan was born on May 28, 1939 in Austin, Texas to William Farren “Mac” McNamara and Elizabeth Hoover Ferguson. She often fondly recalled her happy childhood in Austin, surrounded by family, close friends, and lots of cousins. Ann graduated from McCallum High School and then from the University of Texas, where she was a Kappa Alpha Theta, a member of Orange Jackets, and a nominee for Sweetheart of the Texas Cowboys.
On December 15, 1962, she began her 52-year marriage to Darrell E. Jordan of McAllen, Texas, whom she met on a blind date at the University of Texas. Ann and Darrell moved to Dallas while Darrell finished law school and Ann worked for the Dallas Public Library. They had three children, Stacy, Patrick, and Kendall, and seven grandchildren plus one bonus grandchild. Ann’s children and grandchildren were the lights of her life and she let them know it on a daily basis.
Formally, Ann was active in the Dallas Junior League, Kappa Alpha Theta alumnae, Dallas Woman’s Club, Dallas Country Club, Athena Foundation, and Altar Guild at the Church of the Incarnation. Informally, she belonged to and loved a multitude of other “groups” including McCallum High friends, her longstanding Onze group, the Sisters of Estrogen, her neighborhood wine club, mother-daughter book club, and former Versailles neighbors.
Ann loved Clint Eastwood and Kevin Costner films, war movies, rock and roll music, dancing to The Eagles in the kitchen, and gathering around the breakfast table for a good laugh. She also loved her many trips to New Mexico with friends and her annual summer vacations in Gulf Shores, Alabama at the family beach house, a twenty-year Jordan tradition. She was a card shark and an avid reader.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her sister Margaret McNamara Lengel, and her stepfather, Ralph Leser. She is survived by her husband, Darrell E. Jordan; daughter Stacy Jordan Rodriguez and son-in-law Rudy Rodriguez, Jr.; son Patrick Jordan and daughter-in-law Pam Caspari Jordan; daughter Kendall Jordan Pillsbury and son-in-law Rock Pillsbury; and stepbrothers Geno Leser and Rick Leser and their spouses. She is also survived by grandchildren Grace and Jimmy Rodriguez; Mac and Claire Jordan; Jordan, Luke, and Jake Pillsbury; and bonus grandchild Samantha Pillsbury. She is survived by a host of beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and many friends who she considered her family.
Ann will be most remembered for her warmth, her gentle spirit, and her kind heart. She had more “best friends” than most people have acquaintances and had a unique ability to make everyone feel special. Despite living with pain for many years, she never complained and was unfailingly cheerful and joyful. Her family offers special thanks to her longtime physician, Dr. Stuart Owen, who took great care of her for years. In addition, her family wishes to thank the incredible and caring staff at Baylor University Medical Center.
A celebration of Ann’s life will take place on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at Church of the Incarnation, 3966 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, family requests that memorials be made in her name to the Church of the Incarnation.
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