Ann Manning Valdez

Ann Manning Valdez, born to Elizabeth Cornelius and Clay Manning on September 21, 1935 in Princeton, KY, died on May 15, 2006. Ann received her B.A. degree in Bacteriology from UT Austin in 1957 and entered the Austin State Hospital Program In Medical Technology. She received national certification as a medical technologist in 1959. In 1963, following four years employment at the UT Student Health Center, Ann returned to the Austin State Hospital Program in Medical Technology as an instructor in clinical microbiology. She remained in that position until 1981 when she became Director of Infection Control and subsequently Director of Medical Support Services for the TXMHMR System. She was known, loved and respected for her efforts on behalf of people with special needs, people with mental illness and people with HIV infection. She retired from that position due to complications from breast cancer in 1997. Ann was actively involved in volunteer work for the University Catholic Center, St. Austin’s Catholic Church, and St. Theresa Catholic Church. Her tireless efforts on behalf of the homeless, the hungry, the infirmed and especially the children of Casa de Nazaret Orphanage in Piedras Niegras, Mexico and the patients of the Southwest Regional Cancer Center in Austin will always remain in the hearts and minds of her parish community. Ann is survived by her husband of 47 years, Carlos Valdez, by their beloved daughter, Carlotta Ann Valdez Leavy, husband John, adored grandson Connor Gregory Leavy, very dearest niece and Godchild, Lisa Ann Valdez and by nephew Christopher Valdez, all of Austin. She is also survived by several other nieces and nephews. In addition, Ann leaves behind many friends, extended family and colleagues who will miss her dearly. Vigil Service will be at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 19, 2006 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 4311 Small Drive, with Rev. Greg Romanski officiating. Following the Funeral Mass there will be a reception in the Family Center. Interment will be at Assumption Cemetery. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com