Belinda Manz was called home to our Lord on May 3, 2025, after a courageous 4-year health battle. As an incredibly devoted Mother, Wife, and Daughter, her family meant everything. The happiness and pride she felt in caring for them radiated through every facet of her life, and she genuinely rejoiced in loving those she called family.

Belinda was born in Alpine, Texas to Salvador and Alicia Valenzuela on November 19, 1971, and was raised in Pampa. She attended St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School and Pampa High School. She earned her degree in Education from Texas Tech University, where she met the love of her life and soulmate, Danny Manz. They wed June 15, 1996 and moved to the DFW area where Belinda stepped into her calling as a teacher. In 2001, Belinda received the greatest blessing of her life when her son Brandon, who she adored with her whole heart, was born. Her most precious dream was to be a mother, and Brandon was God's answer to her prayers. The relationship between Belinda and Brandon was beautiful to observe. Brandon called his mom his best friend, and their love for each other will endure.

As a teacher, Belinda touched the lives of nearly 4,000 students and became the nurturer, protector, and safe harbor for those who most needed a champion. She was honored as "Teacher of the Year" in 2009 at Shadow Ridge Middle School where she taught for 15 of her 25-years in education. Her love for teaching was so profound, she never cared about how much money she earned and couldn't even tell you when she would get paid; however, she knew her students, their families, and how to make them feel special and cared for. Belinda would often ask the cafeteria staff which kids weren't eating, and in her quietly generous way, she would add money to their accounts. She believed the best learning happens when our bodies and hearts are fully nourished and was determined to make sure her students had both. She said her hugs were the only ones some students would get, and she bestowed them with genuine delight. Even when she was fighting for her life in the end, all she cared about was her family's wellbeing and getting back to work with her students who needed her.

Belinda was also a wonderful friend and colleague to the teachers and staff she worked with. There was nothing she wouldn't do for someone if she knew they needed help. She was always there with encouragement and a hug in hard times or a high-five and  a hug in the good times. She will be dearly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know and love Ms. Manz.

Belinda is preceded in death by her brother Jimmy Leos and her grandparents E.J. and Apolonia Leos and Jose and Maria Valenzuela, all from Marfa, Texas.

A Visitation will be Sunday, May 11 from 5:00-8:00 pm at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home. 740 Edmonds Ln, Lewisville TX 75067

Monday, May 12 - Rosary Mass at St. Francis of Assisi 861 Wildwood Ln Grapevine, TX. 76051 in Belinda's honor at 10:30 am, with a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Burial will be held at Roselawn Cemetery 3801 Roselawn Dr. Denton, TX. 76207 immediately following services.