Mariana G. Daffron

Mariana Gillespie Daffron, 91, of Mesquite, Texas passed away peacefully on April 3, 2019 with her family at her side. She was born to parents, Hubert Walter and Carrie A. Blair Gillespie on February 13, 1928 in Dallas, Texas. Mariana was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and loving husband of forty-nine years, James Marion Daffron. Mariana was a graduate of Forest Avenue High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Southern Methodist University. She was a devout Christian and faithful member of Casa View Christian Church.

Mariana was a devoted and loving mother who was very proud of her family. She was a talented seamstress and an excellent cook. She was very involved in her children’s lives including serving as a Bluebird/Campfire Girls leader, homeroom mother, PTA President, Sunday School teacher and Youth Group sponsor. Mariana was also an active member of the Retirees and Widows Groups at Shriners’ Hella Temple. She was a stay-at-home mom until her children entered high school. At that time, she began working in the drive-in grocery business with her husband. She enjoyed collecting antiques, gardening, shopping for bargains and traveling to Las Vegas to play the slot machines. She was known for her quick wit, infectious smile, and kind and compassionate spirit. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Mariana was a dedicated mother to Beth Steerman (Dan), Mark Daffron, Vicki Guzman (Joe), stepson, Don Daffron (Debbie) and her four-legged son, Beau. She was “GMama” to her grandchildren, Crystal Bell, Natalie Kee (Brad), Nicole Bell, Brock Bell, Brandon Daffron; step-grandchildren, Joshua Daffron (Bridgette) and Chris Daffron (Melissa) as well as eleven great-grandchildren.

Mariana’s family will host a visitation at Grove Hill Funeral Home, 3920 Samuell Blvd. Dallas, Texas on April 8, 2019 from 10:00 to 11:00am. The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00am with interment to follow at Grove Hill Memorial Park. The service will be officiated by Dr. Les Massey and Jayme Harvey.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Palomino Place especially Mary Smith, Yvonne Jefferson, Connie Triplett, Anita Cooper and nurses, Ansa, Jackie, Frank, Ashley and Mary for their loving care and support while Mariana was a resident there. We would also like to thank Dr. Berry, Continuing Care Nurses Betty and Margaret as well as Heart to Heart Hospice staff for providing comprehensive, compassionate and quality care to Mariana during her illness.