Celebrating the Life of
Merilee Robinson
September 8, 1949 — November 25, 2025
Obituary
Merilee Beatrice Robinson, 76, passed away on November 25, 2025, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Born on September 8, 1949 in Los Angeles, California, Merilee led a life devoted to education, the arts, and her community.
She earned her bachelors degree in 1972 from California State University, Fresno, and California State University Sonoma. She later obtained her Special Education credential from California State University Bakersfield. These academic accomplishments paved the way for a meaningful career in Special Education.
Merilee dedicated many years to teaching in Terra Bella, California, where she supported students with special needs until her retirement in 2010. Her work reflected a deep sense of empathy and commitment to helping others thrive.
Her passion for the arts was evident throughout her life. She was actively involved with the Lindsay Community Theater in Lindsay, California. After moving to Texas, she continued her artistic pursuits as a member of the Narada Radio Theater company in Corpus Christi.
Music played an essential role in Merilee’s life. She sang in her church choir and with the Del Mar Master Chorale. She was a member of Corpus Christi’s Thursday Music Club. A woman of faith, she was a devoted member of Trinity Worship Center in Corpus Christi.
She met Richard while they were both student students at CSU Fresno. They first met at a Valentine’s Day dance. After being married in 1971, they lived in Vallejo, Los Banos, Woodlake, and Lindsay, California before moving to Corpus Christi, Texas.
Merilee was a devoted, wife, mother, and grandmother. She became a mother in 1976 when she gave birth to their son William. Four years later, in 1981, she gave birth to their daughter, Lorilee. Family was important to her, and she expanded her family by welcoming eight exchange students from around the world into their home.
Merilee is lovingly remembered by her husband of over 50 years, Richard Robinson, their son William Robinson of Corpus Christi, TX, their daughter, Lorilee Pierce-Sunia of Madera, CA, and three grandchildren: Maddie, Emma, and Lilly Robinson. She is also survived by close family friend, Adelaido Paz of Oakland, California.
Services
Memorial Service (In-Person)
Monday, March 16, 2026, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Pacific Time
China's Alley Mexican Restaurant, 170 N Sweetbriar Ave, Lindsay, CA 93247
All are welcome to come celebrate Merilee’s vibrant life. Please RSVP above so we can get an idea of how many people to expect. We really hope you can make it to Mom’s celebration of life. We’d love to see you, hug you, cry and laugh with you, and hear your favorite stories and memories of her. Come eat, share memories, and spend time together as we celebrate the life of an incredible woman.
Memories and Condolences
Please share a photo or video, or post a heartfelt condolence to the family.
Merilee was that special person that you will never forget. She brought a smile to the face of everyone she encountered. The love that she and Richard shared was tangible. My favorite part of seeing her at the dental office was finding out what hair color she would be wearing and her amazing hugs as she breezed through her office. When Merilee was present time stopped, worries abated, and joy would spread throughout my entire staff. She was an amazing person and will truly be remembered by all of us at Sabal Dental.
Mom was passionate about the arts and was involved in the Lindsay Community Theater for many years. This was an organization near and dear to her heart. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to LCT by sending donations to: Lindsay Community Theater, PO Box 986, Lindsay, CA 93247. You can also donate directly on the website: www.lindsaycommunitytheater.com/donate.
Having my mother by my side at my wedding was one of the greatest blessings of my life. She was so excited for me and made an impression on everyone she met with her loving and bubbly personality and generous hugs! She had dyed her hair pink to match her outfit and looked so sweet and elegant that day. I will treasure those memories forever.
Marilee was my "mom for 1 year" and I am so glad I had the chance to be around her and the whole family. Marilee was cheerful, always positive and full of joy. I will always remember her as a genuine, happy and full of life person. I am sure she is now in God's arms and here she will always be remembered tenderly.
Wishes Wish for you a time of peace where loneliness receive and all the fears of the day are lost in friendly dreams. I wish for you a memory golden clear and bright of every song that touched your heart and helped you sleep at night. I wish for you a friends fond wish that ever may you be a miracle to every friend as you are to me. Take these wishes all or part to keep you from the storm and when the rain falls just outside you'll have them safe and warm. Jan Owens
The thing I’ll always remember most about Merilee isn’t the day upon days I spent with her backstage, building and painting sets, and riding the wave of her chaotically joyous energy. It’s the way she always created a space of respect where ideas were welcome and creativity was encouraged. She treated me like a peer and made me want to get more involved and contribute more. I know it wasn’t just me she had that impact on. She had that effect on multiple generations, and that respect and valuing of others wasn’t contained to backstage at the theater. It carried over to her life outside those theater doors, and her amazing, positive impact on me has traveled outside those doors as well. I’m going to miss Merilee, but I know that she lives on with her lasting influence in me and others.