Anne M. Joseph

Anne Marpes Joseph died peacefully at home on Monday, June 3, 2013, one month short of her 102nd birthday. Anne, (a.k.a. “Bahija”) was born in Rachine, in Northern Lebanon, to Michael and Lena Tannous Marpes, on July 27, 1911. As a Maronite Rite Catholic she was baptized at St. John the Baptist Church in Rachine. Six months later Michael, Lena and new daughter Anne immigrated to the United States and moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where Anne grew into a beautiful young woman with engaging blue eyes, a smile for everyone, and a very deep, abiding faith.

“A great and wonderful life” describes Anne Joseph, a woman whose faith and courage inspired her unbounded love for family and friends, as well as her capacity to always offer hospitality with dignity and grace.

In 1933, Anne was married to M. John Joseph. During their 40 wonderful years together, Anne and John were blessed with two children, and five grandchildren. Ann worked with John in the dry cleaning business until his passing in 1973 after which she not only continued to operate the business, but also, added a second, small gifts business. The success of Lakewood Cleaners and Gift Shop sprang from her business acumen and her engaging personality with customers. Anne’s hospitality and cooking were legendary and it has been said that she was a “genius” in the kitchen. Her secret command in cooking was “Stir it once! Then leave it alone!” Everyone was a welcome guest in her home and at her table; sharing good food and drink was essential to sharing her gift of life with others.

In her own words Anne Joseph left her legacy: “I thank God for everything in my life and I pray for faith, hope and love of which the most important is love.”

Anne was a charter member of the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and Our Lady’s Altar Society. She belonged to the Ursuline Alumni Association, the Jesuit Alumni Association, the Dallas Vocation Guild, Jesuit Seminary Guild, Jesuit Mothers Club, Lakewood Skillman Business Association, the Lebanese League, the Gem-e-ya Club, the National Apostolate of Maronites, and the Cedars of Lebanon Club of Tyler, Texas.

Anne is survived by her son, Reverend Monsignor Milam J. Joseph, Episcopal Vicar of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas, and a daughter, Phyllis Ann Shamoun and husband, Joseph Shamoun, all living in Dallas. Other survivors include five grandchildren: J. David Shamoun and wife Linda, Alpharetta GA; John Milam Shamoun M.D., Newport Beach. CA; Charles Gregory Shamoun J.D. and wife, Brigitte, Dallas TX; Lisa Shamoun Khoury and husband, Stephen Khoury J.D., Dallas TX; and Sharon Shamoun Souaid, and husband, Gordon Souaid, M. D., Hallandale, FL. Eight great-grandchildren also survive: Matthew Shamoun; John David Shamoun; Alex Shamoun; George Souaid: Ellen Souaid; Caroline Khoury; John Stephen Khoury; and Christopher Khoury. Nephews: Dr. Frank Masur and wife Dr. Linda Vierling; Robert Carlucci and wife Geri; cousin Janie Ashmore who spent many days and good times with Anne throughout the years and a frequent visitor and support in Anne’s declining years.

Also her devoted cousin, George Tannous and wife Beverly and children, Victor, Stephanie, and John were with Anne every Sunday for Mass, breakfast, and dinner. Their consistent dedication and devotion to Anne was an extraordinary gift of affection and unselfish love.

Exceptional women of compassion, loyalty and love for Anne were Aretha Ford, Anne’s caregiver, companion and friend since 1998 and since 2002 Loretta Barnett both part of Anne’s extended family.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the SMU Catholic Community where Anne participated at the 9 a.m. Mass every Sunday for seven years. Her presence and voice were a gift to all and will be greatly missed.

Also we would like to thank Faith Presbyterian Hospice for their professional and compassionate care in her last days; to Dr. Richard Johnston and Dr. Warren Lichliter and their staffs who cared for Anne’s medical needs for the past fifteen years. We will always be grateful to our dear friend, Fritz New who cared for Anne, her home and her material needs for many years.

Recitation of the Rosary will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 6306 Kenwood Avenue, Dallas TX 75214, on Friday, June 7, 2013 at 8:15 p.m.

Reverend Monsignor Milam J. Joseph will be the celebrant of the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2013. Also concelebrating will be Bishop Kevin Farrell, Bishop of Dallas; Bishop Joseph Strickland, Bishop of Tyler; and Bishop Edmond Carmody, Vicar General of the Diocese of Tyler; Monsignor Henry Petter, Pastor St. Ann’s Catholic Church; Reverend Tony Lackland, Chaplain SMU Catholic Community and other priests of the Diocese.

Interment will be at Calvary Hill Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Lane.

If you should wish to make a gift memorial tributes may be made to: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 6306 Kenwood Ave., Dallas, TX 75214; Santa Clara Catholic Academy designated for the Santa Clara School Fund, 321 Calumet Ave., Dallas, TX 75211; The Catholic Foundation, 5310 Harvest Hill Road, Suite 248, Dallas TX 75230; Tyler Catholic School Foundation, 5528 Old Bullard Rd., Suite 109, Tyler, TX. 75703 or the charity of your choice.