Debbie Manson

What a wonderful and adventurous life Alva "Debbie" Anne Manson had. She passed away peacefully December 23, 2012. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, December 29, 2012, at 11 am at Smith Chapel at Riverbend Church in Austin.

Alva was born in Houston on November 30, 1934, to Katherine London, and raised by her grandparents Lilly and Homer London. She was a proud member of the Rainbow Girls of the Masonic Order and lived by the lessons of the seven bows of the rainbow; love, religion, nature, immortality, fidelity, patriotism and service.

Alva was a pioneer for other women in the '70's who led and owned businesses. She started her career with Eddie Rickenbacker of Eastern Airlines in the late 50's and changed her name to Debbie. Debbie married Lewis Manson and raised his three boys Jean Manson, Phillip Manson and Edward Manson. They resided in Houston and raised their two children Nina Seely and Howard Manson. Debbie left Eastern Airlines to head the travel division for Neiman Marcus, opening the Houston store with Lawrence Marcus in 1970. Debbie ran a successful international travel business for several years when travel was a luxury. She opened her own agency, Seven Seas Travel, specializing in corporate travel serving many international oil industries. She sold her business to Thomas Cook Travel in the late 70's and served as Regional Director for many years. Debbie then worked for, and retired from, Marathon Oil as head of their international travel division.

Debbie was an enthusiastic world traveler and distinguished in the travel industry. She was the first woman President for the Houston Chapter of IATA and a mentor to travel counselors with the Institute of Certified Travel Agents.

Debbie retired and moved to Austin in 2007 to be with family and friends. She worked with New York Life's long -term care division until her illness in 2010.

Debbie is survived by her children, Jean, Phillip, Edward, Nina and Howard; and seven grandchildren – Alexander Kahn, Kristin Kahn-Fannin, Terrie Manson-Smith, Matthew, Megan, Everett and Wyatt Manson.

Our family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks to Texas Oncology and Dr. Chada whom Debbie admired and appreciated for his care and honesty. To Hospice Austin and their entire team of caregivers, especially "Silver" who shared time and comforting stories with her, she loved every visit. To the caregivers at Brodie Ranch she felt at home there because you made it like a home.

To our dear friends you were family to Debbie. Thank you for your prayers, flowers, note cards and the kindness she enjoyed from each of you during her illness…a precious gift of love and kindness our family felt honored to receive.

*In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Austin.

**The family invites everyone to join us at Trento immediately following the service to toast Debbie's life.