Cynthia Leigh Kessel

Cindy was born in St. Mary’s Hospital in Port Arthur, Texas on May 27, 1959, she was the fourth daughter of 5 children born to Lezy and Ruby Manuel. Cindy graduated in 1978 from Leon Godcheaux High School in LaPlace, Louisiana. Later she moved back to Groves, Texas and married her husband, Michael Ray Kessel on February 2, 1985. Cindy had met Mike at the age of 14 at the Groves swimming pool where Michael worked as a lifeguard. She was too scared to jump off the high diving board and upon seeing this Michael climbed up there, took her by the hand and jumped off with her. After that day Michael became a hero in her eyes and has remained one ever since. They would go on to enjoy spending their time together traveling, horseback riding, snow skiing, scuba diving and numerous other activities before deciding they want to settle down and start a family of their own.

Later they moved to Port Neches, Texas where they enjoyed five years of being foster parents before finally adopting their beautiful daughter Olivia Leigh Kessel in 1993. Cindy worked for the law firm of Strong Pipkin in downtown Beaumont for 28 years as a receptionist. There she made many lifelong friends. When she wasn’t working at the law firm, Cindy was volunteering at the Humane Society in Beaumont finding homes for the animals there. After retiring she found her true calling in life, being a nanny and caring for infants. Over the years she nannied for four beautiful little girls, and they all grew to know and love her as CiCi and along with their parents they became an extended part of her family. Cindy never met a stranger; she welcomed you into her home and treated you like family. In November of 2010 Cindy moved into her dream home in the country. The family enjoyed life on the farm, owning two Tennessee Walking horses, chickens, and pygmy goats. Cindy was full of life, and it showed in everything she did. She would always go above and beyond when it came to the holidays, especially Easter and Christmas. Cindy’s Easter egg hunts and Christmas games were the best part of the holidays for many, they brought smiles, laughter and a true feeling of togetherness. The memories she helped to make will be cherished by her family and friends for the rest of their lives.

Cindy is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Michael Ray Kessel; daughter, Olivia Leigh Kessel Guzman and husband, Phillip; grandson, Dominic Lee Guzman; mother, Ruby Manuel of Groves; sisters, Phyllis Vincent and husband Ernest of Port Neches, Annette Harrell and husband Kenneth of Nederland, Donna Manuel of Port Neches, and her brother, John Manuel and his wife Melinda of Port Neches; In-laws, Eugene and Coleen Kessel of Groves, Howard and Ann Kessel of Magnolia, Texas and Terry Litman of Burkeville; nieces, Kristina Manuel and partner Michelle of College Station, Sarah Nichols and husband Joey of Bridge City, and Lauren Tozer and husband Justin of Queensland, Australia; nephews, Nicholas Black of Port Neches, Colt Richards and wife Morgan of Washington, Brian Kessel of Port Neches, and Ryan Chapman and wife Lauren Chapman of Port Neches; great-nieces, Charlotte Adelle Nichols and May Richards; great-nephew, Noah Ryan Chapman. As well as numerous family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Lezy “Lee” Manuel.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request memorial contributions be made to your animal related charity of choice.

A gathering of Mrs. Kessel’s family and friends will begin 10:00 a.m., with a Rosary to be recited at 10:30 a.m., and her Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Church, 4100 Lincoln Avenue, Groves. Her interment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.