Leona A. Ballard

Leona A. (Lankiewicz) Ballard, 82, a lifelong Maynard resident, passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 10, 2012 at Emerson Hospital in Concord. She was the beloved wife of Carl H. Ballard, who died in 1988. Born Feb. 10, 1930 in Maynard, she was the loving daughter of the late Franciszek and Genowefa Lankiewicz, and sister of the late Victoria Gallagher, Sophia Rymza, Stanley, Walter and Waslaw "Vert" Lankiewicz. She is survived by her eight children and their families, Joan Ballard of Maynard, Carl Ballard and his wife, Patty, of Pocasset, Steven Ballard of Maynard, Carlene Bell of Milford, N.H., and her husband, the late Kevin Bell, David Ballard and his wife, Miok, of Acton, John Ballard and his wife, Linda, of Maynard, Joseph Ballard of Bedford, and his wife, the late Karin Ballard, and Karen Hysaw and her husband, Frank, of Maynard; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and 11 nieces and nephews. A graduate of Maynard High School, Leona worked for and retired after 25 years of service at Digital Equipment Corporation at the Maynard Mill. She always looked forward to seeing her ever growing family; her eyes would light up at the sight of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her children remember fondly her favorite quote to them throughout their lives, "God loves you and so do I." An avid fan of the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox, she never missed a game. Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours Monday, Aug. 13, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave. (Rte. 111), Acton. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Aug. 14, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Bridget's Church, 1 Percival St., Maynard, with burial following in St. Bridget's Cemetery, Great Road (Rte. 117), Maynard. Those who wish may make memorial contributions in Leona's name to their favorite charity.