Maneely, Kristine Kay

Kristine Kay Maneely
Date Of Birth: 03/07/1948
Date of Death: 11/28/2013

Kris Maneely passed away on Thanksgiving morning at her home in Beaverton, with her family around her. She died after a three year battle with ovarian cancer which she waged with the same cheerfulness and courage that were the hallmark of her life.

Kris was born in Salem, Oregon, on March 7, 1948, to Cyril and Ida Jarvis. She attended St Vincent de Paul Grade School in Salem where she met her future husband in the fourth grade while doing a finger painting project. She was Salutatorian of her class at Serra Catholic High School in 1965, and she graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in mathematics and education in 1969. Between 1970 and 1984 Kris taught junior high and high school mathematics and science in Arizona, Colorado, and Oregon (Oregon City, and Beaverton).

Kris returned to school in 1984 to earn a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Portland, where she specialized in computer usability. She began her career as a usability engineer at Mentor Graphics, followed by Network General and Sequent Computer Systems. She capped her career with pioneering work in usability of Electronic Medical Records at Medical Logic/Medscape and GE Medical Systems. Kris was a member of the Usability Professionals Association and the Society of Women Engineers.

Kris was forced into early retirement by failing health in 2003, but she refused to let her spirit be stifled. Instead, she discovered latent creative skills to which she could apply her engineering knowledge and discipline. She began by crocheting blankets for her grandchildren and making felted purses for friends, but then she found her true passion, the creation of imaginative and beautiful jewelry. She also discovered an aptitude for XBox games, and she was affectionately known as “Gamer-Grandma” by her on-line partners.

Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Beaverton was an important part of Kris’ life for 31 years. She was a Eucharistic Minister, she helped couples prepare for marriage, and she served as a Stephen Minister. She also enjoyed square dancing with her husband for many years.

Kris is survived by John, her husband of 44 years; her son Mark and daughter Patrice Siravo (Brian); her grandchildren Kimberly Hedrick (Larry), Adriel, Catarina, Leonardo, and Zachary; her great-granddaughter Aunalisa; her sister Nancy Allison and brother Joe Jarvis (Kathy); and her close friend Cindy Katopodis.

The funeral will be at 10 am on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 13715 SW Walker Road, Beaverton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Trinity Parish Food Pantry.