These thoughts and memories are not really in any order. Some come from my mom who was honored to have Shirley as her friend for over 70 years and others came from myself and my family. All are precious to us and may mean little to others but certainly put a smile on our faces and joy in our hearts.
Names for Shirley: Laundry Queen, Energizer Bunny and The calm amid chaos,
While living in Norfolk while their husbands were out to sea, my mom and Shirley became fast friends. My mom should have consulted the “Laundry Queen” before washing her sheets in a “wringer-type” machine. The sheets became so entangled in the wringers that by the time Shirley was called, all they could do was to cut the sheets off and giggle.
Again, in Norfolk during a visit with each other, a mouse jumped out of a drawer and sent both women screaming onto the bed. The landlady, Rose Berry, must have really liked them as she had to put up with lots of screaming, squealing and laughter with them!
The Mannara’s and the Rockview Terrace gang often provided wonderful moments , either in Rochester or in CT, at many occasions. They were the life of the party with Shirley, trying often unsuccessfully, to keep things calm. The voice of reeson, lost in a sea of chaos.
Our visits to the cottage on Lake Ontario were special. You could count on a great pasta meal, Genesee Beer, excellent company (including Shirley’s mom who for some reason we called Tillie-don’t know why!)
Our famous visit to Niagara Falls ended badly when we got gas-Joe pumped the gas in and it came out the bottom of the car and spread all over the newly paved lot of the gas station. They weren’t happy with us and we just weren’t happy! Shirley’s calm demeanor again moved us forward and out of trouble. She also had to wash Joe’s shirt that was drenched with gasoline. Piece of cake for her!
Shirley calling out “Mannara, let’s go” or “Meee”
Shirley suggested that I think about a career in forensics (or marry a policeman) after bringing myself and a friend to spend the night at her mom’s house only to find as we drove in the front that thieves were heading out the back. Very exciting stuff. My friend was appalled but I was very interested in the policemen and the forensics team “dusting for prints”. Both Shirley and Joe took it all in stride. Typical!
Her genuine love for her family and friends. Her hospitality and her energy! We were blessed to know her.
She will be missed
In many ways, your Mother was Grandma to me, I will forever miss the smile on her face when I would visit her. Always welcoming and happy. I saw her over the summer and told her how happy I was to see her since I moved. We both hugged, forever grateful- Love, Martin
May happy memories replace the sadness in your heart. Your Mom/Grandma was truly an amazing woman who was loved by everyone who’s life she touched.- Love, Ken, Debbie & Family. Bryan, Cheryl & Family, Sheila
I will never forget the dedication, love, and support your Mom and Dad gave to my Dad, Uncle Peter Mannara, during his battle with kidney disease. They were by his side, along with Uncle Angelo and Aunt Lorraine, almost every day during his 5 year illness till the very end, never missing a day at the hospital or at home till the very end. Love and caring and devotion to this level is rarely seen and I will never forget their support.
I remember meeting Shirley at St. Mary’s Church when Kevin served there. I was so impressed with her sweet demeanor and kind face…and the fact that she was in her 80’s then, she was so strong and in tune with so much around her. I grew to be very fond of her and looked forward to seeing her when Kevin became Campus Minister /pastor at St. John Fisher.
Dear Kevin, Jim and I were glad we got to know your mother. She was a sweetheart. She will be missed. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Jim Melito and Jim Mulcahy.
Dear Karin , Kevin and family we will miss aunt Shirley she was a true angel the memories will remain with us all forever in our find hearts! Sorry for your loss!😇🌺✝️ Bob , Jill, Gia & Banks
Dearest Karin and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart aches for you all as you grieve the loss of your Mom. My deepest condolences to you, Father Kevin and your entire family at this time of loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Hugs from afar Cheryl Fennessy
To view her Funeral Mass go to this link. It beings around 38:00.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8cmIIaPOWs
Memories of Shirley Mannara
These thoughts and memories are not really in any order. Some come from my mom who was honored to have Shirley as her friend for over 70 years and others came from myself and my family. All are precious to us and may mean little to others but certainly put a smile on our faces and joy in our hearts.
Names for Shirley: Laundry Queen, Energizer Bunny and The calm amid chaos,
While living in Norfolk while their husbands were out to sea, my mom and Shirley became fast friends. My mom should have consulted the “Laundry Queen” before washing her sheets in a “wringer-type” machine. The sheets became so entangled in the wringers that by the time Shirley was called, all they could do was to cut the sheets off and giggle.
Again, in Norfolk during a visit with each other, a mouse jumped out of a drawer and sent both women screaming onto the bed. The landlady, Rose Berry, must have really liked them as she had to put up with lots of screaming, squealing and laughter with them!
The Mannara’s and the Rockview Terrace gang often provided wonderful moments , either in Rochester or in CT, at many occasions. They were the life of the party with Shirley, trying often unsuccessfully, to keep things calm. The voice of reeson, lost in a sea of chaos.
Our visits to the cottage on Lake Ontario were special. You could count on a great pasta meal, Genesee Beer, excellent company (including Shirley’s mom who for some reason we called Tillie-don’t know why!)
Our famous visit to Niagara Falls ended badly when we got gas-Joe pumped the gas in and it came out the bottom of the car and spread all over the newly paved lot of the gas station. They weren’t happy with us and we just weren’t happy! Shirley’s calm demeanor again moved us forward and out of trouble. She also had to wash Joe’s shirt that was drenched with gasoline. Piece of cake for her!
Shirley calling out “Mannara, let’s go” or “Meee”
Shirley suggested that I think about a career in forensics (or marry a policeman) after bringing myself and a friend to spend the night at her mom’s house only to find as we drove in the front that thieves were heading out the back. Very exciting stuff. My friend was appalled but I was very interested in the policemen and the forensics team “dusting for prints”. Both Shirley and Joe took it all in stride. Typical!
Her genuine love for her family and friends. Her hospitality and her energy! We were blessed to know her.
She will be missed
Cheryl Parasiliti & Barbara Sharpe
Loving memory of a dear friend – Basilian Lay Associates
Father Kevin & Family, prayers of peace as you remember your mom – Tricia, Kim & Grace
Our hearfelt sympathy on the loss of your mom – Gerry & Susan Rooney and your friends at St. John Fisher College
With our deepest sympathy – Love, Bob & Louise Azzano
With all of our sympathy and love – Nila, Michael, Rob, Marlene & Family
I wish we all had the spirit and love of life that your mom had. She was a true angel on earth – Love you dearly, Julie
With heartfelt condolences – Maria Stefanidis, Sammy & Anna Kostarellis
We love you Shirley! – Dom & Nancy Sanzotta
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her- The Basilian Fathers of St. Anne Catholic Church
In loving memory of Aunt Shirley- Love, Delores and Sandra Zarcone & Mike McClure
In many ways, your Mother was Grandma to me, I will forever miss the smile on her face when I would visit her. Always welcoming and happy. I saw her over the summer and told her how happy I was to see her since I moved. We both hugged, forever grateful- Love, Martin
The memories of those we love stay in our hearts forever- Love, John, Nancy, Jaylin & Greg, Jessica & AJ VanScott, Valerie & Rick Peters
With deepest sympathy- Love, Angela, Michael & Sabrina Natalie
Kevin & Family, please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of shirley. May she rest in peace – Peter & Mary Noto & Family
“Mom”
“Grandma”
May happy memories replace the sadness in your heart. Your Mom/Grandma was truly an amazing woman who was loved by everyone who’s life she touched.- Love, Ken, Debbie & Family. Bryan, Cheryl & Family, Sheila
With loving memories – Marie, Paula, Tara & Addison
Karen and Kevin, we are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your families- Love, Cathy Schwartz, Susie Allen & Marty Watkins
Dear Mannara Family, May the love and memories you hold in your hearts carry you through this difficult time – Love, Elaine & Jennie Shortino
Our deepest sympathy. We love and pray for all of you- Love, Amanda & Jeanie
With our sincere condolences- The staff of Kittelberger Florist
I will never forget the dedication, love, and support your Mom and Dad gave to my Dad, Uncle Peter Mannara, during his battle with kidney disease. They were by his side, along with Uncle Angelo and Aunt Lorraine, almost every day during his 5 year illness till the very end, never missing a day at the hospital or at home till the very end. Love and caring and devotion to this level is rarely seen and I will never forget their support.
I remember meeting Shirley at St. Mary’s Church when Kevin served there. I was so impressed with her sweet demeanor and kind face…and the fact that she was in her 80’s then, she was so strong and in tune with so much around her. I grew to be very fond of her and looked forward to seeing her when Kevin became Campus Minister /pastor at St. John Fisher.
Dear Kevin, Jim and I were glad we got to know your mother. She was a sweetheart. She will be missed. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Jim Melito and Jim Mulcahy.
Dear Karin , Kevin and family we will miss aunt Shirley she was a true angel the memories will remain with us all forever in our find hearts! Sorry for your loss!😇🌺✝️ Bob , Jill, Gia & Banks
Dearest Karin and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart aches for you all as you grieve the loss of your Mom. My deepest condolences to you, Father Kevin and your entire family at this time of loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Hugs from afar Cheryl Fennessy