Bobbie DeLaney Whelan

1944 - 2025

Bobbie DeLaney Whelan
01/29/1944 - 09/06/2025
Bobbie Gayle DeLaney Whelan was born on January 29, 1944, in Houston, Texas, to Robert Leroy DeLaney and Sybil Paul Campbell DeLaney. She passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, with her family by her side. During the final years of World War II, she lived in Lamkin, Texas, with her grandparents. It was during those formative years and for future summers to come that she grew to love and appreciate nature, storytelling, and how to perfectly starch linens.

Bobbie spent weekends at the family's small farm, Del Oaks, where she raised Shetland ponies and enjoyed large and boisterous gatherings with family and friends. She graduated from Spring Branch High School in 1962, where she was affectionately known for her "spicy note writing" and "hall congesting." Following graduation, she moved with her family to Agana, Guam, experiencing island life before eventually returning to Texas to complete college.

Bobbie earned a Bachelor of Science in home economics from Southwest Texas. Upon graduation, she penned a popular newspaper column, Timely Tips, where she shared her gifts for design, cooking, entertaining, and etiquette.

In 1970, Bobbie moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she embraced the culture, became part of the LSU community, and generously dedicated time to volunteer work. Baton Rouge also became the birthplace of her two daughters, Samantha and Emily.

In 1982, Bobbie and her family returned to Houston. There, she was infamously known as the "stain queen," and frequently opened her front door to clothes needing her stain removal magic. Her ability to mail themed care packages and perfectly written thank you notes with coordinating stamps was unmatched. Neighbors frequently gathered for late night visits, or as she would say, "for friendship and bonding."

Bobbie's professional life was dedicated to education, spanning more than four decades. She found her calling teaching home economics and world cultures at Memorial Middle School. Her creativity, humor, and kindness left a lasting impression on her students, many of whom carried her lessons far beyond the classroom. She also built treasured friendships with her fellow teachers, who remained her companions for happy hours, book clubs, and birthday dinners long after retirement.

After retiring, Bobbie, traveled with friends and her grandchildren exploring her way to France, San Diego, Canada, and to her favorite beach spot in Maine. She never missed a family reunion with her "crazy cousins" or an opportunity to explore different cultures.

Regardless, if you called her Mom, Momo, Bobette, Miss Bobbie, or Mrs. Whelan, she will be remembered not only as devoted mother, grandmother, teacher, but as a true and loyal friend whose creativity, warmth, and love touched everyone who knew her.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents; her precious aunt, Gayle "Teeter" Campbell Love; her brother, James Cullen DeLaney; and her former husband, Thomas Whelan III. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Samantha and Hayes Masucci of Houston, Texas, and Emily and Kurt Anschlowar of New Hyde Park, New York; her beloved grandchildren, James and Anna Gayle Masucci and Thomas Anschlowar; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will continue to carry her light forward.

A celebration of her life will be held in the Chapel of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church on Monday, September 22nd at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Bobbie Whelan to the Spring Branch Education Foundation, 955 Campbell Road, Suite 206, Houston, TX 77024.