A Mother’s Selfless Heart

Christi McManus is always putting the needs of others ahead of her own. This Mother’s Day, Paul McManus – Christi’s husband of 17 years – wants to make sure that is recognized.

“She is beautiful and selfless, always putting others before herself,” said Paul. “I just need to say thank you to her for being an amazing mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend. Our family would be lost without her!”

Christi is the loving mother to Ronnie Birkman (who just got married to Kait yesterday, May 13), 28, Paige Birkmire, 24, Bryce McManus, 16, Kennedy McManus, 16, and Gavin McManus, 15. She is also an incredible aunt to many nieces and nephews who adore her. 

“She taught me how to be a good parent and not let the little things in life bother me,” said Paul. “She taught me how to love and has made me strive to be a better person every day.”

Perhaps the best example of Christi’s loving and selfless behavior is in her life and career choices. Beyond her family duties, Christi is a respected supervisor for Global Indemnity Insurance Company and a big-hearted part-time nurse at an elderly care facility called The Hill at Whitemarsh.

“She entered the nursing profession to care for the elderly as she always felt that the elderly are often neglected,” said Paul. “She wanted to make a difference.”

Christi entered nursing school when the couple’s youngest son Gavin was less than 2 years old. As she added that to her plate, she continued her work with Global Indemnity. Christi just celebrated 20 years of excellent service at the insurance firm this year.

“Her ability to multi-task and her organization skills are off the charts,” said Paul. “She is an extremely hard worker.”

Paul and Christi McManus knew each other through mutual friends in high school. But their love story did not begin until years later when Christi lived across the street from Paul’s sister, Gina.

The couple’s first date was at a restaurant called Casselli’s (now closed) in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia. For their second date, Paul and Christi went to a baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Boston Red Sox.

Within one month of seeing each other, Paul knew that Christi was someone he wanted to be with long-term. May 12th marked their 17th wedding anniversary, and they will officially be together for two decades this June.

“She changed my life the day we started dating,” said Paul. “I will love her forever.”

Paul has first-hand experience in Christi’s ability to make people feel better no matter the situation. It is her support that encourages Paul while he navigates a stressful career. 

“Her words on many days keep me going,” Paul said.

Christi and Paul also know how to have fun together. They enjoy nights out with their friends and family. Family trips to Jamaica and Mexico, as well as trips with just the two of them to Mexico and Florida, serve as favorite memories.

As the kids get older, Christi is interested in doing more travelling to see the world. In the meantime, she loves spending time at the family beach house in New Jersey, watching shows on Netflix and HGTV, and cuddling with Marley McManus (the family dog).

A native of Philadelphia who was born in the country’s bicentennial year, Christi is an avid walker who regularly goes over four miles a day. Plus, she is a fan of Halloween, daylight savings, and her kids as they play sports.

In the end, Paul does not know what he would do without this woman who he calls “naturally beautiful.” Her selfless nature and loving spirit are very much appreciated.

“The little things in life make her happy,” said Paul. “She has an ability to show her love and care for people in the most subtle ways. She is the most amazing person I know.”