Always the explorer, Marianna Kay Shini left her home in Spring, Texas to be with the lord on December 25th for a new adventure: brightening the heavens with her dazzling smile.

Born in Crowley, Louisiana, Marianna was the youngest child of Charles (Casimir) Kay (Kwiatkowski) and Irene Keller Kay. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Loretta. Her childhood was mostly spent outside among the trees, caring for abandoned animals, or reading every last book the Acadia Parish Library had to offer. Her idyllic country life became a favorite subject of her many paintings.

Marianna Shini attended University of Southern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana Lafayette) where she studied early childhood education. Following the death of her father, she left Louisiana for Houston, Texas, where she became an executive legal secretary. While in Houston, she met and married Asaad Simaan Shini, a neighbor with an interesting accent who would show her the world. They were married in Beirut, Lebanon in 1972.

She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, and her two children and their families: Dr. Simaan Shini of College Station,Texas, Pamela Maxey, and their children Cole and Marley; Lisa Edd and Dr. Jon Edd of Wakefield, Massachusetts, and their children Zoe and Isaac.

She is also survived by her cousin Irene Smith, husband Warren, and son Matthew. and the following families living across the world, from Canada to Australia, and everywhere in between: Akel, Chini, Akkawi, Ashi, Aschi, Hawa, Chanin, Deek, Jabali and Sheeny.

Before and after having her two children, Simaan and Lisa, the world became her playground. She traveled to China, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Morocco, and various Caribbean countries, to name a few. Everywhere she explored, she fit in remarkably well, and she made new friends everywhere she went.

She devoted her life to her children, and it showed. She exposed her family to art, books,music, and taught her children about compassion and resilience in the very best way possible: by her shining example.

The family will receive visitors at a Funeral Mass held at St. Anthony The Great Orthodox Church located at 7202 Farm to Market 2920, Spring, TX 77379 from 11–12. Burial will follow the Mass at the cemetery located nearby and will be escorted by Police. A mercy meal starts at 1:am at Clementine's restaurant for attendees. Restaurant Location and address will be announced at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Marianna's name to Critter Fixer Pet Hospital where her lifelong pets reside at 5703 Louetta Road in Spring, Texas, or to St.  Anthony The Great Orthodox Church.