Kathleen Ann Manke

1940 - 2026

Kathleen Ann Manke

November 15, 1940 - February 13, 2026

Tacoma, Washington - Kathleen Ann Griswold Manke, Kathy, passed peacefully at home on Friday, February 13th. A true matriarch, she offered continuous support and guidance to an adoring, and often unruly clan.

Kathy's journey began November 15, 1940, in her beloved hometown of Tacoma, Wa. She was the first of four children, born to Edwin Amos Griswold and Margaret Edna McNerthney Griswold. Kathy did not have an easy beginning, as her mother Margaret was committed to a tuberculosis sanatorium for two of Kathy's first five years. This experience helped lay the foundation of Kathy's keen ability to wade through difficult times with grace and dignity.

Kathy recognized the importance of learning throughout ones' life, and part of her desire for knowledge was demonstrated in her love of reading. Kathy made a point of sharing reading with her four children, several chapters from classics like Charlotte's Web, were an evening mainstay for the young family on Fox Island. Books were always at the center of Kathy's giving at all holidays to her children, grandchildren, and of course great grandchildren. During their years on Fox Island Kathy and the entire family developed many relationships with other families that continue in warmth and love to this day.

Kathy was still wrangling her young children when she got her first taste of what would become her legacy, owning and operating a tavern. The purchase of the Cloverleaf Tavern with her then husband Lennard, was the first chapter in her storied career . During the ten years Kathy helped run the Cloverleaf, she learned the ins and outs of the business and the importance of being a good boss. After leaving the Cloverleaf, Kathy went on to manage Engine House Number 9 for several years and following that, was able to purchase the Spar Tavern with the help of long time friend, Suzanne Simchuk. Over a period of 37 years Kathy was able to transform the Spar Tavern into a thriving business, touch the lives of countless employees and customers alike, and brought Blues to Old Town.

Kathy was an active member in The Tacoma No. Rotary, where she served in multiple roles as well as opening her home to several Rotary sponsored foreign exchange students. She also served on the Job Carr Cabin Museum board, was an original member of the Old Town Business Associates and a lifetime member of St Leo's Parish.

Alongside her business and civic responsibilities, Kathy found time to explore the world. Over the years she participated in numerous sailing adventures including Southeast AK, Chesapeake Bay, and Ireland. Further travels led to Japan, Western Europe, Mexico, Columbia, Peru, and throughout Canada and the US.

An account of Kathy's life would be incomplete without mentioning her involvement and adoration of her family. From trips to Hawaii to weekly dinners to annual trips to Roche Harbor, there are too many wonderful memories to list.

A funeral service will be held for Kathy at St Leo's on Tuesday, February 24th, at 12:00pm.

Kathy was preceded in death by her Mother and Father (Ed and Margie), her beloved son Arthur Boyd, her brother Bob ,and her cherished grandson Markie. Kathy is survived by two brothers, James and Michael Griswold, cousin Sharon, her children; Colleen Davis (partner Karl), Kris Manke (wife Colleen) and Tim Manke (wife Julie). Kathy is also survived by her six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Kathy cherished each and everyone of them!!!!

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Rachel Lynn Henley Foundation.