Mary Ann Korth Leask was born August 25, 1931 in Yorktown, Texas and passed away September 2, 2013 in Birmingham, Alabama. The youngest daughter of Herman Henry Korth and Mary Wilson Korth, she was raised in Texas and Alabama. She is survived by her daughters Lindle Leask of Birmingham, Mary Ann Blair (and husband Frank Blair) of Yorktown, Texas, Katherine Leask (and husband Dana Kramer) of New York City, and Jane Leask of Birmingham; grandchildren Milam Saxon Tourbez (and husband Remi Tourbez) of Arras, France, Jessamyn Saxon of Auburn, Cecili Blair (and husband Cory Smith) of Austin, Texas, and Alex Blair, also of Austin; great-granddaughter Juliette Tourbez of Arras, France; cherished cousin Joy Bark Burris of Madison Alabama, and her dear friend and "adopted daughter" Diane Moore of Birmingham. She was also the much-loved aunt of nieces Margaret Taylor Johnston and Joanne Taylor and nephews Nabil, Teymour, Sharif and Farid Rushdi. She was embraced by the extensive family of her husband, U.S. Army Maj. Arthur A. Leask, who was one of eleven siblings. He preceded her in death, as did Mary Ann's beloved sisters Grace Korth Rushdi and Phyllis Korth Taylor.
After attending local Birmingham schools and Auburn University, she embarked on the life of a military wife, traveling and living overseas while raising her family. When she returned to the States, she also spent many years enjoying her work as a financial and legal secretary. A vivacious and gregarious spirit, she enjoyed drama, music, bridge and cribbage games, and was a devoted cheerleader to her daughters, grandchildren and loved ones. There was no more loyal "fan" than Mary Ann. She later returned to Texas and favored small-town living in her hometown of Yorktown, and in recent years enjoyed life with her daughters in Birmingham.
She will be deeply missed, but lovingly remembered and celebrated by her family and friends as an avid reader of mystery novels, lover of the latest technological gadgets, chef and collector of cookbooks, with a mischievous smile and witty personality. She was a supporter of many charitable causes, particularly those that protected animals. Cats and kittens always inspired oohs, awws, and a delighted smile.
Visitation will be at Johns-Ridout Elmwood Chapel on September 7 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM, immediately followed by a graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice would be appreciated, but Alley Cat Allies (www.alleycat.org) was one of her favorites.
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