Paqe Manellari

Paqe Manellari, 71, of Austin and formerly Allen, Texas, passed away on January 6, 2026 following a two-year battle with T-cell lymphoma. Born in Gjirokastër on October 24, 1954 and raised in Korçë, Albania, she was the eldest of four children. Paqe was known for her strength, kindness, and generosity, and for being someone others could always count on. She loved her family and found joy in caring for those around her. Paqe was never afraid to forge her own way even if it strayed from traditional norms. She was the first in her family to attend a four-year college where she studied agriculture. In her career, she was a trailblazer in her own right, seeking out and taking on numerous new professions with great pride & dedication - from high school biology teacher in Albania to varying roles at Sears and Innogen in Texas. Paqe and her husband, Nimet Manellari, married in 1983 and shared 43 years of steadfast love together. Their two daughters, Lorena and Erbora, always came first. Leaving their own aspirations behind in Albania, they relocated to Dallas in 1999 to secure a better life for their daughters, residing there for 23 years. In 2022 they moved to Austin to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren who called her "Nena." She cherished time with them most of all, cooking their favorite dishes, giving hugs and popsicles, and playing hide-and-seek. Paqe relished the quiet and comfort of home. She'd spend hours every day on the phone with loved ones while sitting on her porch bench. Or knitting a handmade rug, pillow, and countless stuffed animals for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed a good celebration, and was quick to lead a traditional Albanian dance with a quiet confidence and grace. For those that knew her best, her understated and kind demeanor was not to be confused with complaisance; she would offer highly opinionated and sharp recommendations just as often as she would offer a plate of homemade pastiche. She deeply loved and was loved by many. She is survived by her husband, Nimet Manellari; daughters Lorena Egan (Corey) and Bora Manellari (Mark Harlan); grandchildren Isabella Egan, Noah Egan, Maya Harlan, and Emma Harlan; mother Neslime Kadiasi; and siblings Behar Kadiasi, Luan Kadiasi, and Vjollca Bala. She was preceded in death by her father, Ilmi Kadiasi. A graveside service will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery (2800 Hancock Drive Austin, TX 78731). A Celebration of Life reception will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Sky Lounge on Lady Bird Lake (401 S. 1st St., Austin, TX 78704). Guests are invited to wear lavender, yellow, light pink, or other pastels in honor of Paqe's favorite colors. Donations may be made to Blood Cancers United. https://bloodcancerunited.org/ In addition, a Livestream of the funeral service will be shown on the Austin Natural Funerals' Facebook page shortly before 1:00 pm at https://www.facebook.com/AustinNaturalFunerals.

Paqe Manellari

October 24, 1954 - January 6, 2026