Ann Lekas Rowley's Obituary
Ann Lekas Rowley1948-2012Resident of OaklandOn January 8, 2012, Ann Lekas Rowley passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. Ann was a real Oaklander, who lived in Oakland her entire life. She was born in 1948 to Constantine (Gus) and Jeanne Lekas. She is survived by her loving husband, Jay Rowley, her three children, Dean Cabrera, Julie Groff and Katie Rowley, her sister Connie Lekas-Lecatsas, and her five grandchildren ranging in ages from 22 to 7 years of age. After graduating from Oakland High School in 1965, Annie became a Licensed Vocational Nurse who worked at Bella Vista Elementary School before finishing her nursing career at Peralta Hospital on 'pill hill' in Oakland. Annie was very involved as a parent in the PTA at Cleveland Elementary School when her older children attended there and then again as a classroom volunteer when her youngest daughter attended the Head-Royce School. As her children grew up, her community service efforts shifted to her active membership in the Ascension Philoptochos Society of her lifelong church, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension. As a member of a clan of proud Greek immigrants who settled in Oakland in the early 1900's, Annie took great pride in the contributions of the Greek Community to the city of Oakland and to the greater East Bay community. Looking after others was central to Ann's character. In addition to her sharp wit, her great sense of humor, and her welcoming disposition, Annie's gentle and generous nature will be forever remembered by those whose lives she touched . A service (Trisagion) will be held on Thursday evening, Jan. 12 at 7:30pm in the Julia Morgan Chapel at the Chapel of the Chimes located at 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland. Funeral services, followed by a luncheon, will be held on Friday, Jan. 13 at 1:00pm at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension located at 4700 Lincoln Avenue in Oakland. Donations may be to the Ascension Philoptochos Society at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension.
What’s your fondest memory of Ann?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ann?
Share a story where Ann's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ann you’ll never forget.
How did Ann make you smile?