Edna Mann

1926 - 2019

Edna Mann, of Suffield, passed away peacefully on Oct. 29, 2019, at the age of 93, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was the only child of Frank and Anne (Christensen) Haun. Edna was born on April 28, 1926, in Bloomfield, graduated from Bloomfield High School, and received her nursing degree from the University of Connecticut. Her nursing career included work for Hartford Hospital and Pratt & Whitney, and in Washington, D.C. Years later, she also served as recreation director at Wintonbury Care Center in Bloomfield when her mother Anne was a resident. Edna was predeceased by her beloved husband William H. "Bill" Mann, of Rye, New York, whom she married in 1961 and who passed away in 1976.

Edna was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother and was most proud of her three children, David, Nancy, and Peter, who she raised on her own after Bill's passing, and her seven grandchildren. She was the matriarch of the extended Mann family and their close friends - keeping everyone informed and connected, hosting those visiting from out of town, and ensuring that the family stayed close. Edna was very active in the life of the Suffield community, where she lived for 58 years - organizing, leading, and participating in the many institutions, events, and causes that mattered to her and her family. She was a member of the PTA, a founder of the Suffield Athletic Booster Club, a Cub Scout den leader and Girl Scout troop leader, and a devoted "hockey mom." The First Church of Christ, Congregational was an important part of her life. Edna served as a deacon, taught Sunday school, participated in the Women's Fellowship, organized church fairs and events, and served on the Interfaith Council. Edna was a longtime, tireless member of the Suffield Democratic Town Committee, served as third selectman of Suffield, and in 2006 received a special award from the Democratic Committee for her years of faithful leadership and service. She was an active proponent of Project Concern, and her family had several "foster children" over the years who attended Suffield schools. Edna and her family also hosted several foreign exchange students. She loved spending time with family and friends, talking about current events, and in general bringing people together. Edna enjoyed playing cards and board games, solving crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and reading, and handed these passions down to her children and grandchildren. She was also well known in the neighborhood for taking in and nurturing injured or abandoned wild animals or stray dogs and cats, several of which became beloved family pets, including "Spunky" the squirrel. Edna loved to laugh and had a droll sense of humor. She was calm, self-assured, and steadfast, a natural leader who spoke her mind and followed her conscience. She lived her life with dignity, grace, and compassion for others.

Edna is survived by her children and seven grandchildren: Lily, 22, and twins Nat and Jacob, 20, children of Nancy and Glenn Jordan of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; Lucas, 10, and Ella, 7, children of David and Jelena Mann of Brookline, Massachusetts; and Lola, 6, and Brooke, 4, children of Peter and Mia Mann of Winchester, Massachusetts.

Edna was lovingly cared for in her later years by her devoted live-in aide, Hyacinth Shambo, who was present at her death along with Edna's children.

A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m. at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 81 High St., Suffield. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Church of Christ, Congregational, Operations Fund. Nicholson & Carmon Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

For online condolences please visit

www.carmonfuneralhome.com