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1944 Manda 2025

Manda Lively

September 14, 1944 — January 25, 2025

Colleyville

Manda Lively (aka “Sue” to her family) lived her life to the absolute fullest in exactly the way SHE wanted, which was perfect for her and those that surrounded her and loved her well. She was filled with curiosity and a constant desire to know more and understand more. She utilized this curiosity in her education—first with her undergraduate degree in Education from Lamar University, then a Master’s in Mathematics from the University of Houston and finally with a second Master’s degree in Educational Curriculum and Instruction from Sam Houston State University. In her career, she first taught small children, but later she taught teachers how to teach in innovative and exciting ways. Finally, she was Assistant Superintendent in Coldspring ISD, where she worked with curriculum and wrote grants with tremendous skill. These grants were instrumental in getting more and better tools and opportunities for the students of Coldspring ISD. Her dedication to her students never wavered.

 At home, Manda lived a calm, tidy life (she liked everything to have a place and didn’t care for anyone to deviate from her established system of home) that was filled with a good book to read, a porch swing by the lake and more often than not, a cat to pet while she watched the Astros play baseball.

This is not to say Manda didn’t love people. Her home was her sanctuary, but she was willing to share it with others. She was a lovely conversationalist and welcomed people into her home with great hospitality. She also said goodbye with gusto when a party was over, or her family drove away. 

She was infinitely creative and spent much of her time later in life painting watercolors of still lifes, of landscapes and of her family. She sewed and designed her home with beauty and simplicity that highlighted the objects she found beautiful.

Manda’s curiosity extended to travel. She loved her trips and always had one in the works. From the Caribbean to Rome to Quebec and everywhere in between, there was a world to see and experience, people to understand and embrace. 

All of us that had the privilege to know Manda felt the warmth of her friendship and the strength of her personality. We were so incredibly blessed to be part of her life. 

Manda was preceded in death by her parents, John Irvin Linder and Emily Maxine Linder. She will be lovingly remembered by her brother, Buddy Linder, and his wife, Bonnie Linder, as well as her nephew, Jeff Linder, his wife, Sarah, and their daughters, McKennah and Eyde, and her niece, Angel Dunavant, her husband, Eric, and their children, Clayton, Austen and Gracyn. Manda’s role as “Aunt Sue” was one of her most impactful.

Manda used her organizational skills, grant writing and overall love of books as she worked tirelessly for the local library. She asked those of you that wish to donate in her memory to share in her efforts by giving to the Coldspring Area Public Library. Your gifts will further extend the empowering magic of books with the people of San Jacinto County.  

Details will follow in due time regarding a Memorial in the Spring.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Manda Lively, please visit our flower store.

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