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Kristen Cannon of Valobra Master Jewelers Dies at 49
The public relations professional is remembered for her benevolent generosity and unwavering commitment to those around her.
Kristen Cannon, public relations and media director at Valobra Master Jewelers, died earlier this month at age 49. She was “a perfect mix of calculated business egocentrism sprinkled with abundant generous altruism,” the jeweler said.
Houston—Kristen Janeen Cannon, the public relations and media director at Valobra Master Jewelers in Houston, died June 18.
She was 49 years old.
Cannon, born in Houston on March 1, 1977, was “a bright light from the very beginning,” her family said in an online obituary.
She attended Vanderbilt University and The University of Texas in Austin, earning a degree in marketing.
She was also proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Following graduation, she began her career in New York City and later returned to Houston where she founded her namesake public relations firm, The Cannon Affair: PR Studio.
Through her work helping organizations, businesses, and charitable causes tell their stories, she became known for her creativity, professionalism, and ability to build meaningful relationships.
Later, Cannon went on to direct the public relations and business development for Valobra Master Jewelers, a fourth-generation jeweler that began in 1905 in Torino, Italy, and now has locations in Houston, New Orleans, and Switzerland.
Cannon is remembered for her passion for the arts, including paintings, musical pieces, sculptures, and “the art of socializing,” Valobra Master Jewelers President Franco Valobra said in a statement the jeweler posted to its Instagram.
She was 49 years old.
Cannon, born in Houston on March 1, 1977, was “a bright light from the very beginning,” her family said in an online obituary.
She attended Vanderbilt University and The University of Texas in Austin, earning a degree in marketing.
She was also proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Following graduation, she began her career in New York City and later returned to Houston where she founded her namesake public relations firm, The Cannon Affair: PR Studio.
Through her work helping organizations, businesses, and charitable causes tell their stories, she became known for her creativity, professionalism, and ability to build meaningful relationships.
Later, Cannon went on to direct the public relations and business development for Valobra Master Jewelers, a fourth-generation jeweler that began in 1905 in Torino, Italy, and now has locations in Houston, New Orleans, and Switzerland.
Cannon is remembered for her passion for the arts, including paintings, musical pieces, sculptures, and “the art of socializing,” Valobra Master Jewelers President Franco Valobra said in a statement the jeweler posted to its Instagram.
He also described her as a force of nature with an “insatiable thirst” for meaningful fundraising.
“Kristen represented the perfect image of today’s professionalism and philanthropy, a perfect mix of calculated business egocentrism sprinkled with abundant generous altruism,” Valobra wrote.
“I am sure that the reception for her, up there, will be as perfectly organized and stupendously attended as she is accustomed.”
Cannon lived a life marked by generosity and an unwavering commitment to those around her, her family echoed in her obituary.
She gave her time, talent, and energy, working with numerous charitable and civic organizations throughout Houston.
Cannon received recognitions including Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Woman of the Year, American Cancer Society Pearl Honoree, Woman of Substance honoree benefiting LEAD Houston, and Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's Woman of Distinction.
A devoted daughter, caring aunt, and loyal friend, Cannon cherished her family and friends above all else.
Her greatest joy came from celebrating the people she loved and creating lasting memories, her family said.
Her warmth and genuine kindness will be remembered forever, and her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched and the enduring example she set of a life lived with purpose, compassion, and grace, they added.
She is survived by her mother Janeen and stepfather Julian Fertitta; her father, Ernest Cannon; her sister, Tina Cannon; and her brother, Sam Cannon.
She is also survived by her stepbrothers, as well as a host of other family members, including several nieces and nephews, all of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life.
A memorial service was held June 30 at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons funeral home in Houston, followed by a reception.
Cannon’s family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation or LEAD Houston in honor of her life and enduring legacy.
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