Dannielle Mardi Robertson, 80, of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
Born on April 16, 1944, in Oklahoma City, Okla., to Noel and Helen Hutchinson Boggs Sr., she graduated from Warren High School in Downey, Calif., before attending Whittier College in Whittier, Calif., where she received a B.A. and M.A. in English and philosophy. Learning at an early age from her showbiz family of steel guitar player Noel Boggs and her godfather, guitar pioneer Leo Fender, the spotlight beckoned.
Beginning as a dancer in the Golden Horseshoe Review at Disneyland on opening day, she danced her way into the hearts of us all. Honored with the title of “Miss International Showgirl 1970” in Las Vegas, Nevada, her job experiences crossed paths with the legendary Rat Pack, affording her the opportunity to tour with Dean Martin as part of a USO Tour during Vietnam. Switching gears from the stage to the screen, her television career included a recurring role on the Beverly Hillbillies as Helen Thompson, the British secretary with flowing golden locks and white go-go boots. Thanks to our age of technological advancement, you can still find episodes of a young Dannielle on the screen. Never ceasing to grow as a performer, her immense talents led her to the sound stages of Hollywood, where set design, prop building and construction became her trade in later years where her creative eye flourished.
Leaving the shine of Hollywood behind her, she relocated to Indiana from California twenty years ago to be near her family and be present in the lives of her grandchildren. Family at the core of her heart, she never failed to put them first in all aspects of her life.
During her years in Leesburg, Indiana, she felt the urge to share her background, expertise, and talent with the neighboring community of Warsaw, Indiana. Beginning a second act of her stage career at the Wagon Wheel for the Performing Arts, she shared the spotlight with young actors beginning their entertainment career. Serving as a teacher, a mentor, fellow actor, and friend, she helped guide these young people toward their future dreams. A natural educator, she led drama clubs, theater summer camps, and acting classes. Dannielle enjoyed every moment with her students as she helped them discover, not only their passion for theater or dance, but the wondrous potential that life holds for us all. She spent her time in Warsaw, helping the Warsaw High School and Grace College Drama Departments by building sets, creating props, and coaching students. Regardless of her busy schedule, she was always free to lend an ear, provide a shoulder for comfort, or encourage others. Her home was her sanctuary. On any given day, you could find her building something magical in her workshop or tending to her garden, welcoming everyone with a wave and a huge smile.
Survivors include her daughter, Erryn (Todd) Blake, of Valparaiso, and two granddaughters, Winnifred and Gwendolyn Blake. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Noel Boggs Jr. and sister, Debra Sue Boggs.