Carol L. Manning

Carol L. Manning

Age 89, of Willowick, passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Carol was born on December 17, 1936, in Cleveland to Irene (nee Wilkomm) and George Mezera. She is survived by her children: Kathryn "Kim" Manning, Brenda (Russ) Wichert, Margaret "Peggy" Manning, Donald (Lara) Manning Jr., and Michael Manning; her six granddaughters: Nicole (Bill) Nagel, Caitlin (Gale) Piercy, Justine (Steve) Washock, Lauren (Ron) Anzells, Meredith (Cory) Williams, and Molly Manning; and her great-grandchildren: Christopher and Kaylein Tuberville, Alexa Govedich, Bryce, Emma, Cameron, and Isaac Nagel; Grace and Jordan Piercy; Nathaniel Washock; Nina and Nash Williams; and Violet and Ronald Jr. Anzells. She is also survived by her brothers, George (Donna) Mezera and Thomas Mezera.

Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Don, in 2006; her daughter, Karen (Bill) Farroni, in 2021; her parents, George and Irene Mezera; her sister, Mary E. Smith; her brother, Timothy Mezera; and her sister-in-law, Ruth Mezera.

She attended Blessed Sacrament and St. Prokop's Grade School and graduated from Lourdes Academy High School in 1954. In 1957, she graduated from St. Vincent Charity School of Nursing in Cleveland. At the time of graduation, Carol followed her heart and chose to work in cardiac recovery at St. Vincent's. Her kindness and compassion as

a nurse were evident in her daily living. Many of her

nursing colleagues became lifelong friends.

Carol and Don Manning were married at St. Patrick's Church in Cleveland in July 1958. The first of their six children were born in 1960. Thereafter, she became a full-time dedicated mother while working a few days a month at Charity Hospital. Their home was a hive of activity and a source of warmth. Her social life revolved around family, friends, community, and church activities.

She and Don were deeply involved in their children's activities, including Don's years coaching football at St.Mary Magdalene. Carol left acute care and practiced home health care, providing care for our neighbor for many years. Though somewhat retired, Carol was available 24/7 for anyone who asked for medical advice.

Carol found joy in both special adventures and everyday moments. Later in life, she and Don enjoyed trips to Hawaii and Ireland. She loved running her household, baking, decorating, painting, sewing, crafting, crossword puzzles, pinochle cards, playing Pac-Man, and entertaining. A talented artist, she created hundreds of

costumes for Halloween and for the Willowick Water Shows. Her dinners and seasonal celebrations were legendary. Her stuffing recipe will be available upon request.

In her last few years, her health declined, and in 2019, she moved from her home in Willowick to a care facility in Concord. There, she became a favorite among many of the staff and formed new friendships, adopting a love for BINGO, while continuing to be surrounded by the love of

her children and grandchildren.

Carol's life was defined by compassion, creativity, faith, and devotion to family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Family requests that any nurse who will be joining us please wear your nursing school pin. A special ceremony will be held at the funeral home.

Family will receive friends at

McMAHON-COYNE-VITANTONIO FUNERAL HOME, 6330 Center St. Mentor, OH, FROM 2 TO 5 p.m. Sunday, March 1. Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 2, 2026, at St. Mary Magdalene Church, 32114 Vine St., Willowick.

Interment will be at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township.

Donations can be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.

To leave condolences for the family, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.