Nancy (Restivo) Manfre

Nancy Manfre, 88 of Brenham, passed away Saturday, April 10, 2021at her home surrounded by loving family. Through her last weeks of suffering, faith sustained her and those around her.

Nancy Restivo was born May 17, 1932 in Kansas City, Missouri to parents Nicholas and Vita DeMarco Restivo. Her early years, she worked in her family’s grocery store, Richwood Food Market on Richmond Avenue in Houston. Nancy attended the University of St. Thomas in Houston where Anthony and Nancy first met; they both graduated in the second graduation class of an incredibly young university. Nancy married Anthony Samuel Manfre on September 3, 1956 during his second year in medical school. They lived in Galveston, Texas until after his graduation in May of 1959. Nancy received a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. She taught at Ursuline Academy in Galveston.

In about the year 2016 she wrote a book entitled “My Life” about her family’s life and her early life, a copy of which were given to various family members. In that book she wrote the following words: “To my dear husband, Anthony: Without your love and support, my life’s journey would be very different. I cannot imagine being without you. I will love you forever. Nancy”

With a pure and generous heart, she gave of herself fulfilling the needs of others before hers. Through tough love, she taught her children honesty, respect and right from wrong.

After daughter Anne was in a serious auto accident, Anne and her daughter Diane lived with the Manfre’s. Nancy cared for Diane as if she were her own daughter.

Nancy was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where she served as Director of Religious Education. The church was an important part of her life. She was also involved in missionary service with St. Vincent de Paul Society.

She was preceded in death by parents, brother Sam Restivo and sisters-in-law Rosa Restivo and Eleanor Howard.

Surviving family includes husband of 64 years, Anthony Manfre; daughters, Anne Elizabeth Manfre, Claire Jacob and husband John; son, Paul Manfre; grandchildren Diane Perkins and husband Eric and, grandchildren J.C. Jacob, Kyle Jacob ; great-grandchildren, Kylliee Perkins, Trinity Perkins; sister Marie Triola; numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 14 from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Rosary will be recited Thursday, April 15 at 9:30 a.m. preceding Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. both held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Paul Manfre, Kyle Jacob, J.C. Jacob, Joseph Triola, Mike Luchak and Eric Perkins.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice Brazos Valley, M.D. Anderson Hospital or Catholic Relief Services in Maryland.

“All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” Julian of Norwich – this was Nancy’s view of our chaotic world; God’s Will shall ultimately prevail.