83S20312 BK-D
By: Huberty H.R. No. 92
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Merilyn Kathleen Hartnett Deane of Kingwood passed
away on June 20, 2013, at the age of 69, leaving her wide circle of
family and friends to cherish their many happy memories of time
spent in her company; and
WHEREAS, Born to Margaret and Bud Hartnett on January 19,
1944, in Buffalo, New York, the former Merilyn Hartnett grew up in a
family of sports enthusiasts, with her father the founder of the
town's original amateur hockey league and her grandfather a
renowned sportscaster; she proved herself equal to their
expectations, participating in the 1955 Junior Olympics ice skating
competition and distinguishing herself as a softball player in
grade school; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Deane went on to graduate with honors from the
nursing school at Sisters of Charity Hospital, where she was voted
outstanding student nurse; she worked for the Buffalo Red Cross for
over a decade, helping to bring in a record number of blood
donations, and after relocating to the Houston metropolitan area
and joining Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital, she assisted in
the care of more than 10,000 mothers and infants as a prenatal nurse
for 35 years; in retirement, she continued to be recognized by
former patients, who were eager to express their gratitude for the
kindness and expert care that she had provided; and
WHEREAS, She retained a lifelong loyalty to her hometown
teams, the Buffalo Bills and Sabres, and was known to brave
blizzards to ensure they emerged victorious; her passion for sports
may have even played a part in her finding true love; her future
husband, Ron Deane, got her attention when he approached her on
crutches and introduced himself as an injured Bills player; while
this turned out to be a ruse, she was nevertheless smitten, and the
pair went on to share a rewarding marriage of nearly five decades;
their date nights were an eclectic mix of country western
two-stepping and ballroom dancing, and they would often improvise
their own moves; and
WHEREAS, A woman of devout faith and a founding member of
St. Martha Catholic Church in Kingwood, Mrs. Deane served as a
religious instructor and, alongside her husband, taught
pre-marriage classes; in addition, she was a self-taught pianist
and enjoyed reciting poetry and attending the symphony; she took
tremendous pride in her Irish heritage and earned lifetime
achievement awards from the Houston Irish and Erin Go Bragh
societies for hosting wonderful St. Patrick's Day celebrations; and
WHEREAS, Above all, Mrs. Deane treasured her role as
matriarch to her close-knit family, including her four children,
Michael, Kathleen, Mary Elizabeth, and Sheila, and her three
grandchildren, for whom she served as head cheerleader; and
WHEREAS, Merilyn Deane truly loved people, treating
strangers as soon-to-be friends and continuously seeking ways to
improve the lives of those around her; although she will be deeply
missed, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to resonate in
the hearts of all those who shared in the blessing of her life; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the memory
of Merilyn Kathleen Hartnett Deane and extend sincere sympathy to
the members of her family: to her husband, Ron; to her children,
Michael and his wife, Andi, Kathleen and her husband, Todd, Mary
Elizabeth and her boyfriend, Luis, and Sheila and her husband,
John; to her grandchildren, Megan, John Michael, and Luke; and to
her other relatives and many friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Merilyn
Deane.