Diane Robinson's Obituary
Diane Dannelly Robinson beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, passed away in Plano, Texas, on May 26, 2020, at the age of 78.
Diane was born in Dallas to parents Helen Bernice (Causey) Dannelly and Henry Kester Dannelly in 1941. She attended University Park and Sudie Williams Elementary Schools, Rusk Jr. High and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School where she was a member of various clubs including the Drill Team. After graduation, Diane attended Texas Women’s University, then transferred to Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, from which she graduated.
With her family, Diane enjoyed horseback riding and participating in numerous trail rides on her Thoroughbred horse named Yankee Red. She also enjoyed swimming and playing golf.
Growing up in the Bluff View neighborhood, her childhood home was the site of the annual all-day neighborhood 4th of July party. Following in her parent’s footsteps, Diane continued the all-day 4th of July party tradition for her entire family for many years in her Plano home.
Meeting the love of her life on a New Year’s Eve blind date, Diane married William “Jack” Glenhelm Robinson on May 2, 1964. Diane and Jack moved to Oklahoma City for a time, but eventually returned to live in the Dallas area.
Diane worked in the insurance industry before her marriage and continued in that line of work in her husband’s independent insurance agency. Diane was an active member of Third Church of Christ, Scientist in Dallas, where she served on committees and taught Sunday School classes.
While Diane enjoyed knitting, needle pointing was her favorite. She was an avid and accomplished needle-pointer. Working with her sister, they founded “et cetera”, a needlepoint design business, creating and painting original needlepoint canvases and selling to retail shops around the U.S.
She enjoyed traveling with Jack across the U.S., Canada and England, but she especially enjoyed many trips to France. Diane was instrumental in helping Lucy Williams and Katie Wiggins Sledge, founders of The Quimper Club
International. She not only served on the bylaws committee but was also was the treasurer and secretary of the organization for many years.
During many trips to France with Jack, her sister or friends, she accumulated a large collection of French faience and antiques. It was through these travels that she met and enjoyed many new friends throughout North America, the U.K., and Europe.
Diane was a warm, wise, patient and giving person, quick to lend a hand and always had a smile on her face.
Diane was predeceased by William “Jack” Robinson her husband of 55 years and is survived by sons Stuart Dannelly Robinson, Mark Glenhelm Robinson, daughter-in-law Janell Leigh Robinson; grandchildren Reagan Dannelly Robinson and Connor Jack Robinson; sister Susan Dannelly Cox, brother-in-law John Yeldell Cox; sister-in-law Mary Eugenia Robinson; nieces Leslie Ryan Cox Fitzgerald and husband John Brendon Fitzgerald, Lauren Elizabeth Cox; great nephews Benjamin Trigg Fitzgerald, Andrew Walker Fitzgerald, Charles Holt Fitzgerald, great niece Blythe Langham Fitzgerald; and cousins Melissa Lane Dannelly McCleskey, Elizabeth “Libby” Dannelly Nelson, Billy Don Daniel and Deidre Daniel.
A memorial service will be held at Third Church of Christ, Scientist in Dallas on a future date when churches are once again open for services. Diane will be laid to rest with her husband Jack, at the DFW National Cemetery (2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX.).
A special thanks to the caring staff at The Leaves in Richardson and to Patricia and Helen at the private home in Plano where Diane resided the last few years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Adventure Unlimited, ScholarShot, Navy League of Dallas or a charity of your choosing.
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