Rita Manning

Rita Manning, cherished daughter, sister, aunt and friend, passed away Friday, Dec. 10, 2021. At the time of her last breath, Rita was surrounded by her three little sisters and brother-in-law, who had the honor of being present for the peaceful farewell, described by the Hospice staff as one of the most elegant final moments filled with calm and grace. Born June 19, 1932, exactly one year after sister Jeannette, Rita passed almost exactly one year after the family gathered in December of 2020 to celebrate Jeannette’s time on earth; a fitting timeline for the duo of sisters who oversaw the Manning lineage for decades. In similar fashion to her birthday twin Jeannette, Rita’s story took an unpleasant turn several years ago when dementia took over. As a result, Rita’s final years on earth were misaligned from the things she loved most like working in the yard, taking pictures, keeping order in the family garage, bird watching, listening to opera, shopping for holiday gifts and traveling the world. Noting that the past few years do not define Rita’s true story, her family and friends are certain to recall memories that genuinely portray Rita’s life on earth. Without question, the word “feisty” will be used as part of the discussion. While some may associate being feisty with something negative, Rita would not have thought the same (and she would have told you so). And it was that zest for knowing what she wanted and how she wanted it that enabled her to maintain a professional career at Master Builders for her entire working life, where she advanced many times to eventually working directly for the CEO of the company. Rita, the third oldest of 12 Manning children, was united with her parents, Frank and Ruth; and eight of her siblings, Gene (Pat), Jeannette, Ruthie, Frank Jr., Donald (Carol), Dick, Patsy Hughes (Hughey, dec.), and Mary Ellen Friend. She was also reunited with her niece, Karen Manning Farroni; nephew, Chris Hughes; great-nephew, Shane Hughes; and great-niece, Coletta DiCello. She is survived by three devoted sisters, Kathleen Manning, Rosie Manning and Coletta DiCello (John). She is also survived by 74 nieces and nephews, who were blessed to always have “Aunt Rita” to remind them to STAND UP STRAIGHT. Visiting hours will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 38001 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. Family and friends are also invited to celebrate Rita’s life on Wednesday, Dec. 15, at St. Mary Magdalene Church, 32114 Vine St., Willowick, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. being offered by Fr. Steven Breck. Interment will be immediately following at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township. Due to the pandemic, COVID protocols will be in place at the church and cemetery to protect the health of all. The Mass and cemetery ceremony will be available via livestream on the McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home’s Facebook page. Rita’s family will forever be grateful to the staff of the Slovene Home for the Aged and Hospice of the Western Reserve Warrensville Team for the love, time and dignity given in the care of Rita. To leave condolences for the family or order flowers, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.