TITLE: In memory of Merilyn Kathleen Hartnett Deane of Kingwood.

SUMMARY: In memory of Merilyn Kathleen Hartnett Deane of Kingwood.

FULL TEXT:
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. Huberty Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 92 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on July 25, 2013. Chief Clerk of the House