Grace Manfre

Grace Manfre of Sugar Land, Texas passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at the age of 96. She was born on December 16, 1928 in Revere, Massachusetts where she grew up with her 4 brothers and 2 sisters.

She graduated from Revere High School in 1947.

Throughout her life Grace loved working and visiting with people. After graduating high school, her adventurous spirit led her to Washington DC where she gained employment typing commissions for future military personnel. Continuing with that spirit she moved to Houston, Texas seeking a new Secretarial position at Houston Lighting and Power Company where she met her husband, Anthony Manfre, of almost 69 years. Throughout their marriage and raising children she sought opportunities to volunteer in the communities in which she lived. As her children grew up she ventured back into the workforce and accepted a position as Administrative Assistant to the Manager of Engineering at Brown & Root Industrial Services for over 20 years. She retired in 1997 and she and Anthony moved to Sun City Retirement Community in Georgetown, Texas. True to herself, she began volunteering in her new community. She quickly made friends and hosted game parties for family and neighbors. One of her most treasured positions for 19 years was working as a Greeter at the Georgetown, Texas Walmart, where she retired again at the age of 90. She held her last position as a volunteer at the Caring Place - Thrift Store until 2020.

Grace was actively involved in Sun City Republican Women’s Club and enjoyed line dancing and baking cakes when her grandchildren visited.

She is preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Mary (Haumann) Atkinson, her brothers Henry, Paul, Robert, and Richard Atkinson; and her sisters Loretta Hughes and Barbara Prochilo.

Grace is survived by her loving husband Anthony Manfre of Sugar Land, Texas, her three daughters; Stephanie West of Richmond, Texas, Sharon Coons and her husband Tim of Missouri City, Texas, Julie Manfre of Missouri City, Texas, her four grandchildren; Robert West, Stephen West, Elizabeth Coons, and Michael Coons; and great grandchildren: Hayden West, Stella West, and Robert “Robbie” West; and her sister-in-law Vera (Manfre) Petru, and many nieces and nephews.

She loved meeting new people and learning about their lives. She loved to laugh and make memories and enjoyed capturing these moments in photos. Every person in the family has one of her famous “fireplace” photos. She always opened her home and enjoyed any excuse to host family and friends.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers and employees at Laurel Glen at Sugar Land for the care and compassion they showed our Mother in her final days.