TITLE: In memory of Diana Maria Kirby of Rockport.

SUMMARY: In memory of Diana Maria Kirby of Rockport.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Family and friends are mourning the loss of Diana Kirby of Rockport, who passed away on February 10, 2011, at the age of 53; and WHEREAS, Born in Fairbanks, Alaska, Diana Maria Kirby grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and Irving; she earned a bachelor's degree in history from Memphis State University and a master's degree in education counseling from Corpus Christi State University; she also did graduate work in public history at the University of Houston; and WHEREAS, Ms. Kirby was able to turn her love of history into a career, and she worked at museums and historic sites for three decades; in 1984, she moved to Rockport to serve as the curator at the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site and she was promoted to director soon thereafter; in 2008, her expertise and experience were rewarded when she was promoted to historic site supervisor for the Texas Historical Commission, and she divided her time between Rockport and Austin; in her new position, she was responsible for overseeing 10 sites around the state, including the Fulton Mansion, the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, the Sam Rayburn House Museum in Bonham, and the Varner-Hogg Plantation in West Columbia; and WHEREAS, Ms. Kirby loved to travel with family and friends and enjoyed trips to Europe and Canada as well as antiquing jaunts around Texas; she was known for her warm and giving nature and was an excellent listener who could always be counted on to give wise and caring advice; and WHEREAS, Greatly admired for her dedication to the rich history of the Lone Star State, Diana Kirby made a positive difference in the lives of countless people, and she has left behind a legacy that will continue to resonate for years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Diana Maria Kirby and extend sincere condolences to the members of her family: to her life partner of 25 years, Ruth Davis; to her mother, Jen Kirby; to her stepmother, Sandra Kirby; to her brothers, Tony Kirby and Richard "Sam" Kirby and his wife, Leigh; to her sister, Donna Barnett, and her husband, Donald; to her stepbrother, Steve Bell; 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 Diana Kirby.