Jennifer Ann Manis (Martel), age 55, passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital, with her two daughters by her side. Jennifer was diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer in 2018, and she fought hard to defy the odds, become cancer free, and live a few more years of her life to the fullest. Jennifer was born in Houston, Texas on September 15, 1965 and was adopted and raised by the late Joseph Alphonse and Maude “Billie” Martel. She is survived by her daughters, Jamie (28) and Jodie (26) Manis, as well as her sister, Sally Martel Staehli.
Jennifer graduated from North Shore High School and received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Houston. Jennifer was an incredibly hard worker who acted as a mentor to many. She started her career as a Certified Public Accountant before transitioning into internal and external recruiting and finally human resources. She ended her career working as a global mobility manager for Halliburton, where some of her proudest career accomplishments were leading one of the largest international mobilization programs and being recognized with an award for outstanding leadership in her industry.
Jennifer’s relationship with God was so important to her, and she exemplified this through service to others. Jennifer taught youth ministry and confirmation classes at St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church. She served as a court-appointed special advocate for foster children and families, a hospice volunteer, and a women’s prison ministry volunteer. She donated to and raised money for a girl’s orphanage and the building of a community church in Africa. She felt most fulfilled when she was helping others.
Jennifer had such a passion for travel. Throughout her life, she was able to take life-changing trips with her daughters, with friends, and on her own. She loved to come home from her trips with memorable pieces of art and plenty of pictures. If you knew Jennifer, you likely had the opportunity to view one of her signature photo books which she created following each trip. After her cancer diagnosis, Jennifer was able to travel to several of her bucket list travel destinations, including Guatemala, France, the Italian Riviera, and an African safari in the Masai Mara wildlife reserve.
In her last years of life, Jennifer was able to live out her passions for service, travel, learning, and connecting with others. Jennifer was a lifelong learner who loved public speaking, writing, and teaching. Over the last year, she studied Spanish, attended a writing retreat at Ghost Ranch, took a watercolor painting class, and completed training to become a certified personal trainer and life coach. She had a bright and energetic personality, and she truly lived life to the fullest, impacting many lives along the way. Those who knew Jennifer know she was smart, kind, and goofy. She always had a smile on her face, and she loved to offer anyone and everyone help, advice, or a good laugh.
A memorial service celebrating Jennifer’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 26th at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home located at 12800 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX.
A memorial mass commemorating Jennifer will be held at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, March 24th at St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church located at 10503 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX.
Flowers can be sent to the funeral home or, in lieu of flowers, donations in Jennifer’s name can be made to Catholic Relief Services.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0