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Gillespie, Kathleen Ann

December 22, 1947 –
 December 31, 2016

Obituary

Kathleen Ann Robinson Gillespie was born December 22, 1947, in Dayton, Ohio. She was the first child of Arlie and Janis Vulgamore Robinson. She died unexpectedly on Friday, December 30, 2016, at her home. Kathy married Larry R. Gillespie in April of 1969. They had two children, Jonathan Andrew Gillespie of Portland, Oregon, and Kristin Carol Gillespie Alonzo of Fort Worth. Kathy earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology and worked as a group counselor and therapist, both privately and for Dallas County Probation Services. She was baptized in the Methodist church as a young girl. Later, she embraced the Jewish faith and converted to that religion over 10 years ago. When she was an infant, her parents relocated from Ohio to Florence, Alabama, where she grew up. They also lived in Huntsville, Alabama, where Kathy attended high school. Later the family moved to Dallas. Kathy was vivacious, opinionated, expressive and curious. Her love of travel led her to Europe several years ago, and she wanted to return. She also loved to travel to visit friends, of which she had many. She was preceded in death by her parents. Left to celebrate her life are her son and daughter, her son-in-law, Raul, and her beloved granddaughter, Lauren Elizabeth Alonzo, who will always love her ‘Mimi’. She also leaves her sisters, Carol Whatley (Michael) and Laurie Kline (Tim), and nephews Noah and Caden Kline and Josh Whatley (Katie). Arrangements are pending. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, January 6, 2017 at ARIA Memorial Chapel located at 19310 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas 75252. Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website. Arrangements are under the direction of: ARIA Cremation Service & Funeral  Dallas, Texas 75238 214.340.8008

    Loretta Warren
    4 Jan 2017
    3:31pm

    I am still in disbelief that Kathy has been taken. I will miss her. We met thru work in 2002 and have remained in touch through out the years. Her wit, humor and zest for life is an inspiration for us all. Will miss her tremendously.

    George T. Vail
    4 Jan 2017
    4:03pm

    I’m still in shock over my friend’s passing.. So grateful we got to visit at our 50th HS reunion. I’ll treasure those memories and all the memories we shared. Godspeed and rest in peace, Kathy Love George

    Dawn Blasingame
    4 Jan 2017
    5:05pm

    My heart goes out to everyone in Kathy’s family. I worked with Kathy for years at the probation department and she became a dear friend. I will treasure my time with her always. I recently was fortunate enough to meet her most prized love, “Lovely Lauren”. Such a wonderful little girl. I will be praying for your healing as you slowly move forward. Kathy was an amazing woman. I am better for having known her.

    Kim Lambert
    5 Jan 2017
    7:30am

    Kristin and family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Susie Brennes
    5 Jan 2017
    9:19am

    I was shocked to hear that Kathy had passed away. I met her in Longview, TX and we became really good friends. She could really make me laugh! What a great vivacious spirit she had. I will never forget her.

    Terie Hawes
    5 Jan 2017
    10:35am

    My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Kathy’s family and friends. She was a delightful lady and always made me laugh. She could find humor in any situation. Kathy will be missed by all that knew her. All my love and prayers.

    BRYAN HILL
    5 Jan 2017
    11:16am

    I AM SADDENED THAT MS G IS NO LONGER WITH US. SHE ALWAYS MADE SURE THAT I WAS OK AND WE SPOKE ABOUT LIFE OFTEN. I WILL TRULY MISS MY CONVERSATIONS WITH MS G. I STILL CANT BELEIVE THAT SHE IS GONE.. I WILL TRULY MISS YOU

    Teresa Anguiano
    5 Jan 2017
    12:54pm

    I worked with Kathy for several years. She was a person who would speak her mind which I truly respect her for doing so. After she left Probation, I had the pleasure of working with her through a private agency through my work. I always enjoyed talking to her because she had such great insight into things. She loved her family and would talk about her grand daughter with delight. She was a very proud Mimi. Kathy loved her job and what she did for a living. My prayers go out to her family. May God be with you now and in the months to come. Kathy will always be in our hearts.

    Elianette Zamora
    5 Jan 2017
    1:18pm

    I am so sadden by the news that my good friend Kathy has been taken by our good Lord. She always made sure I was ok when we talked. She was a wonderful person full of Love for others.

    Dana Lund Hawkins
    5 Jan 2017
    2:14pm

    Kathy ALWAYS welcomed me and made me feel important. She had an infectious smile and would freely share her opinions, laughter and love for life. She has 2 wonderful sisters and a special family. I am proud to know them all. Rest in peace.

    Steve and Linda Blanke
    5 Jan 2017
    5:08pm

    It is a terrible thing to lose a sibling, and I know you will miss her a lot. You and your family are definitely in our hearts during this difficult time.

    Amy Milstein
    5 Jan 2017
    9:09pm

    Jon and K.C., I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. I have such fond memories of her. I very distinctly remember a picture of her at my parents’ lakehouse, giant smile on her face, and her much-loved penny-loafers on her feet. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to reconnect with her on facebook. May her memory forever be a blessing.

    Patricia Kay
    6 Jan 2017
    7:24am

    Thinking of Kathy and all of your family today. Wish I could be there with you. Know you will miss her terribly. Will always be grateful to have been a part of your family’s life. Especially remember the years we spent as across the street neighbors in Huntsville. Love to all of you.

    Mitzi and Rusty Milstein
    6 Jan 2017
    9:25am

    Our heart felt sympathies to the Gillespie family. When we think of all good times in Longview, it’s hard to believe that Kathy is no longer with us. Our condolences to you.

    Steve Bell
    6 Jan 2017
    11:38am

    My heart is saddened at the passing of my dear friend. My life has been made richer because “G” has been a part of it. I enjoyed co-teaching many classes with her and all the lunches we shared at El Fenix. While we had many spirited political conversations, I never doubted her heart for helping people and helping them be successful in life. I will miss her deeply.

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Testimonials

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"Excellent customer service, they made you feel like you were their only customer. Very helpful and explained what we should expect during the process. They basically took care of our needs during this time. They contacted DFW National Cemetery for us which made it a smooth experience. Definitely will use them again."
K. Barker
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"I was amazed how professional the team at Aria Funeral Preston Dallas Texas are. They guided me through the process and my options of their services that they offered for my mother. They are compassionate, caring, calm, good listener, efficient and did an excellent job! Thank you!"
R. Woll
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"If I could give 6 stars I would. Aria made a difficult easier to deal with by basically taking care of everything in an efficient but very empathetic manner. I can speak highly enough of Dusty Martin, who helped us with all of the planning and logistics. He was incredibly understanding and helpful."
Angel M.
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"Nothing prepares you for the grief you go through when losing a child. I called this funeral home at 2:00 am broken and could barely talk. The amount of compassion and empathy they showed me immediately let me know I found the right place to cremate my son. I cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, SINCERE concern, and commitment to making sure my son was honored in the most respectful way. I hope this Funeral home values her as much as my family and I do."
McGee Family
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"Wayne and Staff, thank you for taking care of the arrangements for our mom, Exter McGee and our dad, Philip McGee. You have been great to work with during such a difficult time."
Elledge Family
Elledge Family
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"On behalf of my family, I wanted you to know how much we appreciate your handling of my husband's final arrangements. Wayne Baxter assisted & guided us through the entire process with such care & compassion. Don't know what we would have done without him! Sincerely, Colleen Elledge"
The Peterson Family
The Peterson FamilyYelp! Review - Northwest Highway 5-Stars
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"I can’t say enough about how helpful and professional Dusty Martin, the funeral director at the Aria Cremation location on NW Highway has been. From my initial call, he was kind and informative. My friend died at home while on hospice and she was picked up in about an hour after receiving the call from the hospice nurse. The person who arrived to pick her up was also very professional/respectful and allowed us to take as much time with her as we wished. When I met with Dusty the next day about arrangements, he explained the process and options available without being pushy or trying to “sell” extras. Throughout the process, he kept me informed and, for example, was careful to be certain I understood the cost of the obituary I wanted and offered some options for reducing that cost if I wished. When I stopped by for another reason and started talking about some of the problems I was having with the pictures and media I hoped to use at a memorial lunch I was planning, he not only listened patiently but offered technology advice and let me use his personal media player. I have had experience arranging cremations for four others using two other local companies, and this experience with Dusty at Aria has been by far the best one I have had."
Paula Barnes
Paula BarnesGoogle Review
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"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
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