Marion A. Manes

Marion Decker Manes, who lived a full and joyful 95 years, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025. She was born in Adams, Mass., to Lambert Decker and Eva (Lauer) Decker, both brought over as children from Austria-Hungary. Marion was predeceased by her sister, Evelyn Decker Larsen, and brother, Lambert John (Deck). She spent most of her early years working in her father's grocery store, Decker's Market, where her love of food and cooking took root.

Following in her older sister's footsteps, Marion went to Boston and was proud to have become a graduate of Mass General School of Nursing, where she worked for several years in various positions. During these years, she also became a "ski bum" in Stowe, Vt., where she made many lifelong friends and had countless hilarious stories.

Upon returning to Boston (with a broken leg), she met her new neighbor, Army Major Charles D. Manes. She borrowed a cup of sugar from him to make him an apple pie, and it must have been a good one; they were soon married and so began her life as an Army wife and then mother to 2 daughters, Robin and Betsy.

When Chuck retired from the Army as Lt. Col., he placed a map in front of her and told her she could choose to live anywhere in the country that she wanted. She happily picked Cape Cod, where she had visited once in college. While raising their 2 girls, Marion continued her nursing career as a Barnstable School nurse, always keeping a keen eye on her teenage daughters. This was followed by another 15-year career in real estate.

Marion had many different hobbies and interests. She was an accomplished painter and participated in several art shows and proudly displayed her beautiful work in their home. She was also a gourmet cook and loved to throw dinner parties for their many friends where her jokes were much of the night's entertainment. Marion's love of music was evident. Music was constant in their home; from New Orleans Jazz to Classical, from Pop to Zydeco, and from Big Band to Disco and always Imus In the Morning playing before school. The radio was always on. She also enjoyed golf and was lucky enough to play at both Oyster Harbors and Hyannisport Club.

Marion was most proud of her 2 daughters and their families, Robin Maddalena (Jim) and Betsy Bowes (Jimmy), her grandchildren, Joe Maddalena (Amy), Andrea Marshall (Ryan), Lacey Maddalena, Nick Bowes (Liz), Abbey Quase (Joey), Jacqui Sweeney (Bryan), and the 11 great grandchildren she adored. Marion's Superpower was her humor. She had a special gift of telling jokes at every opportunity and for her 80th birthday her friends made a video of her telling her famous jokes which is still available for viewing on YouTube. At the age of 93, she astonished us all with a standup comedy routine from her wheelchair to a packed house at Maplewood Assisted Living, where she resided.

She loved a good audience and certainly found one in all of us. She will be missed.

A celebration of her life will be held at Hyannisport Club , 2 Irving Ave., Hyannis Port on Sunday, October 26, at 3 p.m. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, reach out to a friend, share a good story, and have a great laugh.