Obituary of Dawn DeLeigh Kinsler
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Dawn DeLeigh Kinsler, born March 13, 1934 in Everett, Washington to Marion and Nellie Kinsler, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 24, 2016 in Houston, Texas at the age of 83.
“Auntie Dawn” was an exceptional woman of many talents. Smart, accomplished and funny, she sang beautifully, played the piano with gusto and was famous for speaking with a British accent (among others) on demand. Her joie de vivre was contagious and she made friends in an instant. She was an avid photographer, sailing enthusiast and lover and performer of classical music. As a longtime member of the Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church Choir, singing was one of her greatest joys in life.
Dawn’s professional life centered around medicine. First as a registered nurse at Everett General Hospital, Dawn served her country as a member of the Women’s Army Corps at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio. She earned a degree in psychology from Sacred Heart Dominican College in Houston and pursued graduate studies at the University of Houston. Dawn remained in Texas because of her love of warm weather and big open skies.
Dawn’s capacity for love came through most profoundly in her lifelong career as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. She specialized in group and individual psychotherapy and worked for many years at the Texas Research Institute for Mental Sciences (TRIMS) and Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital. She devoted her life to helping others improve theirs and had a special way of connecting with those in need.
Dawn leaves behind a host of loving family and friends to mourn her passing and celebrate her life. Especially close are her “sister,” best friend and companion for over 25 years, Dorothy Clark, her loving caregiver, Rhonda Sylvester, and the entire Tom Earthman family.
Dawn will lie in-state from 12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m., Sunday, October 2, 2016 at Joseph J. Earthman Generations, 234 Westcott Street in Houston.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 9:00 a.m., Monday, October 3, 2016 at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, in Houston, Texas, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a. m. at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive.
Donations in Dawn’s memory may be made to the Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church Choir or the DePelchin Children’s Center, 4950 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77007 (depelchin.org).
To leave a message or tribute for the family, please visit josephjearthman.com.
