Loretta Jane Hawkins

Loretta Jane Leaman Hawkins, 76, of Katy, passed away on Monday, August 27, 2018, surrounded by her loved ones. Loretta will be lovingly remembered, and terribly missed. Her petite frame held a big personality and a huge heart. Her capacity for love was often overflowing, sweeping up people from all areas of her life into her orbit. Her love extended not only to her family of birth, but also to her family of choice: Friends who loved her like their own "mother" and "grandmother," and whom she loved in return. She was a tireless volunteer throughout her life and a tenacious advocate. She was also a visionary, pioneering the first Project Graduation at Katy High School. Loretta was known for many things, not least of which was the force of nature that was her personality. "Firecracker," "dervish," "pistol," "dynamo" were all words used to describe her. Her energy preceded her in a great wave when she entered a room - like a superhero, ready to save the day, which she very often did. There was no problem she wouldn't tackle, never forgot a birthday, and the word "no" did not exist in her vocabulary; and, once Loretta had "adopted" you, you had a home in her heart, for life. She was also remembered for her smile, which lit up her eyes and was absolutely infectious; and, nothing made her smile more than her grandchildren: Maia, Arik, and Ezra. When asked her profession, she always answered, "Grandmother." Loretta drove so often between Katy and Austin, she joked that her car knew its way by itself. But most of all, she loved having her girls, Lynda and Leslie, and her grandkids, together. Loretta braved several trips to New York City with Leslie and the kids to visit Lynda, spending several Thanksgivings in the Big Apple, preparing the meal in a tiny New York kitchen. Over the years, Loretta went from looking like a "scared Simba" facing the stampede when first experiencing rush hour at the Times Square subway station, to traveling by herself to attend Lynda's doctoral graduation ceremony and scooting around the city with confidence; a testament to her love for her family and willingness to face a challenge head-on, and conquer it. Born to Max ("Mike") and Doris Mintz Leaman, Loretta is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years, Don, her daughters Lynda Goltzman Hallmark and Leslie Goltzman Suez, sons-in-law Terry and Eitan, and her precious grandchildren Maia Suez, Arik Suez, and Ezra Suez, stepson David Hawkins and family, sister Diane Crumley and husband Stacy, niece Dana Frances and husband Jonathan and "The Boys" (Jordan, Jason, BJ, and Jeremy), nephew Marc Sposeep, "niece" Shelly Sampson Thomas and husband Tracey, several beloved Leaman and Mintz cousins, and granddog Stella. She is also survived by her chosen family, of whom there are too many to name. Our heartfelt thanks to these many dear friends and neighbors who have enriched and expanded our family circle. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following in Loretta's name: Hadassah Women's Zionist Organization of America http://www.hadassah.org/ Parkside Community School, Austin, TX https://www.parksidecommunityschool.org/ Camp Young Judaea - Texas www.cyjtexas.org

Loretta Jane Hawkins

March 30, 1942 - August 27, 2018