Marian Lea McCurdy Robertson

Marian Lea McCurdy Robertson - beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend - died peacefully on August 9th during a brief hospital stay. 

Marian was born on August 2, 1931, to John A. and May Lea McCurdy. The second of two children, Marian was born and raised in Austin and attended the University of Texas, graduating with a BA in 1951. A devoted mother, Marian spent many years invested in the raising of her children while still serving in her church and community. In 1969 she co-founded Extend-a-Care for kids, an after-school program which has expanded and still exists today. Marian worked as a counselor at Ortega Elementary School in the early 1970s, and later as an assistant to nutrition counselor James Heffley, PhD. for over 25 years.

It was during her college years that she met the love of her life, Richard Robertson, through the University Presbyterian Church college youth group. They were married on October 20, 1951 and enjoyed a full, rich, happy life together for over 72 years. Their union produced 5 children as well as 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, all of whom have had the privilege of knowing and loving their “Nonny”.

Marian was known for her infectious joy and giving spirit. She had an innate ability to make everyone around her feel valued, cherished, and loved. “Family” was a loose term for her and she unofficially adopted many into her fold, both human and four-legged. If you knew Marian, you knew that the place that captured her heart, body and soul was Rockport, Texas, which she referred to as “God’s Lap”. In 1973, Marian & Richard, along with a group of close friends, bought The Cedars - the small tourist court on Water Street where she had first fallen in love with Rockport at the age of 2. As part of the newly-formed Rockport Cedars Association, the Robertson family took ownership of “The Big House”, where many happy days were spent swimming in the bay, hosting fish fries, and communing with family and friends. 

Another place that she considered heaven-on-earth was John Knox Ranch, the Presbyterian camp where she served as the summer camp chaplain for many years - usually with her sidekick, Jake the dog, at her side. Marian and Richard were also known for their amazing kite-making abilities, crafting hundreds of kites which always flew prominently at the annual Zilker Park Kite Festival. They taught many kite workshops over the years, and made fast friends with other kite makers from around the world.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents, John Anderson and May Lea McCurdy, her sister Margaret Odum, and her son John Stephen. She is survived by her loving husband, Richard, and children Rick (Kevyn), Linda (Bill), Jeannie (David), and Beth (Rob). She also leaves a legacy to her 10 grandchildren: Lindsay, Travis, David, Jenny, Bryan, Will, Quinn, May Lea, Andy, and Bobby, and to her 20 great-grandchildren: Parker, Beau, Kate, Emma, Megan, Drew, Leah, Penelope, Lewis, Rosemary, Beatrice, Jack, Finn, Archie, Rhys, Shea Marian, Claire, Maggie May, Marian, and Charlie. She was deeply respected, deeply loved, and will be deeply missed. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 31st, at 2 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3208 Exposition Blvd, Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to John Knox Ranch, https://johnknoxranch.org/donate.