Rachel Alice Chenard McManus died peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2014 surrounded by family.

Rachel was born on August 26, 1933 in St. Arsene, Quebec, Canada to the late Joseph Achille and Alice Chenard. She graduated valedictorian of the Convent School of Cacouna and with honors in nursing from Hotel Dieu de Montreal. While serving as a nurse in the Canadian Army in Iserlohn, Germany, Rachel met her future husband Dr. Jim McManus. Rachel and Jim were married and lived in Edinburgh, Scotland. They later moved to Quebec City, Canada. The couple, subsequently, moved to Temple, Texas and retired in Salado, Texas.

Rachel was a beloved member of the community and relief for the poor and needy was the focus of her charitable endeavors. She served as a case worker for Family Outreach for many years. Rachel and Jim were also active with Meals on Wheels.

A lifelong Catholic, Rachel was a faithful member of St. Luke’s Church in Temple, Texas where she served as Eucharistic Minister and later a member of St. Stephen of Salado. Rachel was a world traveler and a collector of fine and decorative arts. Wherever she lived, Rachel was a doyenne of French language, culture, and cuisine. Her kindness and joie de vivre affected everyone she met.

Rachel is survived by her beloved husband Dr. Jim McManus and their four daughters: Michele McManus and her husband Cyril Kazmierczak of Tulsa, Dr. Martine McManus and her husband Raj Dagstani of Denver, Renee McManus of Salado, and Andree McManus of San Francisco; Grandchildren: Iain Kazmierczak, Emile Dagstani, and Sebastian Dagstani; Sisters: Val LaFerriere and Berengere Labrie; Brother: Jean-Marc Chenard ; Brothers-in-law: Raymond Laferriere and Yvon Labrie, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank all those that helped her during her long illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Families in Crisis, P. O. Box 25 Killeen, TX 76540.