Josephine Theresa Manley

1930 - 2018

Josephine Theresa Manley

Fort Myers - Josephine "Josie" Theresa (Catanzaro) Manley, born on October 16, 1930 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Angeline and Cosmo Catanzaro, passed away peacefully at age 87 on March 29, 2018 in Ft Myers, Florida. She graduated from Indiana State Teachers College, Indiana, Pennsylvania in 1952. Always the adventurer, she taught Kindergarten with the Department of Defense Schools in Japan and Tripoli, Libya, where she met her Air Force husband, John. She was an Elementary School Teacher in Germany, Pittsburgh, and Maryland until retiring in 1980. Josephine was the beloved wife of the late Dr. John Hugo Manley. She was preceded in death by her dogs, Pippi, Shetan and Penny. Josephine is survived by her sons, John D. Manley (Heidi Mathis) and Marc D. Manley (Dorcas); daughters, Lisa L. Manley, Michele A. Ferragut; brothers, Cosmo J. Catanzaro and David K. Catanzaro; sisters, Mary Jane Catanzaro and Constance J. Caputo; and grandchildren, Kristin Ashton, David Manley, Rebecca Manley, Alanna Manley, Alyssa Manley, Brandon Ferragut, Kennet Manley, and Callan Manley. Josephine loved collecting artisan dolls, quilting, basket weaving, crafts, playing bridge, and she was a gourmet chef. Those who were fortunate to taste her spaghetti sauce or pheasant under glass never forgot it. She was a prayer group member and coordinated the Saturday evening gathering meal at Iona-Hope Episcopal Church and helped manage the church's thrift store, One More Time. Donations in Josephine's name to Iona-Hope Episcopal Church are welcome and appreciated. Ever the energizer bunny, Josie lived a full life, living, loving, traveling and teaching around the world. Her generous heart, giving spirit and infectious smile brought great joy to her family, her friends, her students and to all who knew her. She especially loved all of her grandchildren. While we will miss her, we know she is planning the next big feast in Heaven, reunited with John. Friends and family can pay their respects at the memorial service, officiated by Rev. Suzy Post, on Saturday, May 12, 2018 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Iona-Hope Episcopal Church, 9650 Gladiolus Dr, Fort Myers, Florida, 33908. Following the service, a reception will be held at the church, followed by inurnment at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens. The funeral home will be Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, (239) 936-0555.