Leona E. (Brown) Ballard

Mrs. Leona E. (Brown) Ballard, age 68, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2008 in the comfort of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Ft. Covington, NY on August 29, 1940, Leona was the daughter of the late Richard and Catherine (Perry) Brown. Raised and educated in the northern part of New York State, she also studied in Potsdam, NY. She came to the Utica area in 1964, and on July 10, 1965 she married Keith J. Ballard with whom she shared 43 years in a relationship that exemplified their philosophy of a committed marriage built on a solid foundation, a partnership in life, and a mutual trust. Always humbly serving others, Leona had been employed by various area businesses, including Lincoln Laundry, St. Elizabeth Hospital, the Tiki Toi Restaurant, and Dan Dee Donuts. Lastly, she ventured on her own, establishing Leona & Friends on Mohawk St., then relocating to South St. as Leona’s Café operating until 2005. She enjoyed preparing food and was plentiful with her portions and hospitality. Leona was nicknamed “Sparky” by her son, Mark, and so was one of her more popular breakfast offerings. A loving soul, Leona was often unassuming and selfless in her actions and endless generosity, never wanting center stage for her efforts or thoughtfulness. She will be remembered for her good works at the Hope House. During her leisure time, Leona enjoyed golfing, traveling with her husband, and trying her luck occasionally at games of chance. She especially looked forward to spending summers together as a family at different camps, as she derived much peace from campfires and the outdoors. At home, her favorite pastime was perfecting her culinary creations. She loved the holidays and made all occasions special for her loved ones. She was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Leona is survived by her husband, Keith, Sr.; her daughters and son-in-law, Catherine “Cathy” Ballard and her friend, Tom Elmer; and Shirley and Matthew Damico of Albany; her sons and daughters-in-law, Daryl Ballard of TN and Judith Ballard of Clark Mills; Keith, Jr. and Dawn Ballard of Deerfield, Richard “Dick” Ballard and his companion, Shari Lynn Paulson; and Mark Ballard, all of Utica. Always close to her heart was the memory of her daughter, Cheryl A. Hertel, who passed away on September 20, 2007. She is survived by her son-in-law, Irving A. Hertel. In addition, she leaves her 14 grandchildren, Chad, Scott, and Andrew Johnston, Gregory Torres; Chastity, Brittany, and Amber Ballard; Michael Ballard; Keith Richard Ballard, Christopher Stevens and Korey Ballard; Jessica Montanaro and Joseph Saunders; and Madison Lee Damico; her 6 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Harriet LaBrake, Sister Shirley Anne Brown, S.S.J., and Mary Gilette; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Edward and Pat Brown, and John and Laurie Brown. Survivors also include her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, godchildren, and in-laws, June Brown, Gloria Brown, Jack and Mary Ballard, and Mary Daniels. Leona was also blessed with longtime friends Millie Fausto, Donna and Dorothy Peppinelli, and her hairdresser, Sharon. She was predeceased by her sisters, Barbara Garrand, and Rita Brown; her brothers, Richard Brown, Harold Brown; and her infant brother, Robert Brown. The family expresses appreciation to Dr. Samir Desai, and the Visiting Nurses Association, with special mention of Darlene, Doreen, Maryann, and Debbie; Fr. John Rose and Fr. Anthony LaFache for their prayers and blessings; and the many friends who remembered Leona during her illness, especially those at Snyder Flooring, and the Lewis family who were so kind and generous. Visitation will be held Wednesday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Leona’s funeral service will commence on Thursday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial and Committal Prayers will be celebrated by Fr. Robert Kelly.