Lois Elaine Manning's Obituary
“Nothing you love is lost. Things, people - they always go away sooner or later. But, if they’ve touched you, if they are inside of you, then they’re still yours. The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold inside your heart."
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Bruce Coville, Author
Lois “Elaine” Manning, loving wife, mother and sister passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Elaine was born September 17, 1940 to parents Philip Gerald and Mary Lois (Tate) Egan in Wichita, Kansas. The third of four Egan siblings, Elaine faced adversity at a young age contracting an illness that kept her out of school for more than a year. She easily made up for lost time graduating with honors from Sacred Heart Academy in Wichita.
After graduation Elaine set her sights on a career in the medical field. She worked her way through courses and training to become a radiology technician. Her work would take her many places, eventually landing in Tucson, Arizona. As she built her career she took on additional training to become a radiation therapist for cancer patients. She treated many over the years but found her passion treating children.
Through her work in therapy Elaine met Michael “Mike” R. Manning, a young and upcoming radiation oncologist with historical family roots in Tucson. The couple married in August of 1974 and permanently settled in the Old Pueblo. Mike’s career continued to flourish and the pair welcomed their only child, Cathryn “Catie” Tate Manning in December of 1976. Catie would grow up to follow in her proud parents’ footsteps choosing nursing as her vocation. Elaine and Mike found much joy watching her succeed in the years that followed.
Elaine will be forever remembered for her fierce loyalty and prioritization of friends and family. She always took on the role of de facto leader of family events, was exceptionally inclusive and had the ability to bring a sense of ease and relatability to all she met. Her wicked and sharp sense of humor created much laughter and memories that will last a lifetime. Many will recall her strong political convictions and insatiable appetite for news and current events. The sound of television news will forever linger in our memories.
Elaine was guided by a deep sense of spirituality and loyalty to the Catholic Church. She supported numerous philanthropic organizations ranging from Catholic charities to veteran affairs to cancer and disease research. Her unparalleled generosity undoubtedly helped support a great number of people, organizations and causes. There is no limit to the number of lives Elaine touched over the years.
Elaine is preceded in death by husband Michael R. Manning, parents Philip Gerald and Mary Lois (Tate) Egan, sister and brother-in-law Mary Patricia “Pat” and Thomas “Tom” Clancy and brother-in-law Charles “Chuck” Mathis. She is survived by daughter Cathryn “Catie” Novogradac (husband Brian), grandson Mason Manning Novogradac, sister Clarice A. Mathis, brother David Egan (wife Maurine “Mimi”), sister-in-law Marjorie “Muggsy” Hildreth, nieces Egan Whitley (husband Kevin, son Zane), Heidi Smith (husband David, children Macallister “Mac,” Tanner and Chase Montijo) and nephew Michael Hildreth (children Kylie and Reese). Other surviving family include Menzanna Mathis, Carrie Moore (husband Jeff), Audrey Heiland (husband Mike) and numerous other nieces, nephews and their children.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 29th at 10:00 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1800 N. Camino Pio Decimo, Tucson, AZ 85715.
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