Noël Marsaudon Rankin

Noël Marsaudon Rankin of Dallas, Texas, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on August 27, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. Noël was known for her fierce loyalty, remarkable perseverance, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved. She had a passion for traveling and baking, but her greatest joy was always her family.

Noël was born in San Clemente, California, on December 18, 1953, to Phillip and Carole Marsaudon. A true Orange County girl, she spent her childhood near the beach with her brother, David, and sister, Marguerite. Woods Cove in Laguna Beach was a particular favorite and remained a special place throughout her life, eventually becoming just as meaningful to her sons and grandchildren.

She graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in Education and went on to teach kindergarten. Her love for children came naturally, and the patience, creativity, and care she brought to the classroom would later shape the way she raised her own children and loved her grandchildren.

Noël eventually made her way to Houston, where she met the love of her life, Roger Rankin. They were married on April 4, 1981, beginning a marriage that would span 45 years. Together, they raised their three sons, Ryan, Drew, and Blake, creating a childhood filled with family traditions, vacations, and countless hours at Little League fields and school activities. Noël was deeply involved in her sons’ lives and their schools, including St. Luke’s Day School, River Oaks Baptist School, and Episcopal High School. She was always present, always involved, and always her boys’ fiercest supporter.

As their sons grew up and began families of their own, Roger and Noël embraced the next chapter of their lives together. They loved to travel, and one of their favorite ways to see the world was aboard Viking River Cruises. Noël was especially fond of France, where her family had roots, and she took every opportunity she could to return.

Becoming a grandmother brought Noël an entirely new source of joy. Known lovingly as “NoNo,” she treasured time with her six grandchildren. Whether she was baking with them, taking them to the beach, traveling with family, or simply spending time together at home, she created traditions and memories they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Noël faced cancer with the same perseverance that characterized her life. Following her diagnosis in 2017, she endured years of treatment with extraordinary determination and resilience. Through it all, she remained focused on what mattered most to her: her faith, her family, and making the most of their time together.

Her faith was an important part of her life, and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church was a meaningful part of the Rankin family for many years. Through both joyful and difficult seasons, Noël demonstrated the importance of hope, perseverance, and showing up for the people you love.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father.

Noël is survived by Roger, her loving husband of 45 years; her three sons, Ryan (Brynn) Rankin, Drew (Arinsay) Rankin, and Blake (Mia) Rankin; her six grandchildren, Wyatt, Rylee, Ford, Ellie, Betsy, and Birdie; her brother, David Marsaudon; her sister, Marguerite Marsaudon.

A memorial service celebrating Noël’s life will be held on September 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas.

Noël will be remembered for her strength, her loyalty, her faith, and, above all, the extraordinary love she had for her family. She taught those around her to persevere through difficulty, to remain hopeful, and to never stop showing up for the people they love. The traditions she created, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave so freely will live on through her family for generations to come.