Elvira R Manley

Obituary Elvira Manley was called to her well-deserved rest, at her home in University Place October 12, 2018, surrounded by her brother Jim, her children and other members of her extended family. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Thomas E. Manley Sr. on December 29, 2011. Elvira was born Oct. 21, 1923 to Louis and Rose Riconosciuto who had emigrated from Southern Italy three years previously. She grew up in the vibrant immigrant community of Hilltop in Tacoma. She graduated from Stadium High School in 1941 and completed nurse training at Tacoma General Hospital in 1943. She enlisted in the Army in 1944 and served as a lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corp. She met Thomas Manley shortly after the war ended and they married in 1946. They went to college at Seattle University on the GI bill and settled in Fircrest where they raised their four children and lived there together for 65 years. Elvira remained in the house until 2016 when she moved to Merrill Gardens. Elvira was an active and caring member of her church and community. She and Tom were founding members of St. Charles Borromeo Parish. Elvira believed strongly in women's voices being heard in all aspects of life. She was a longtime member of the League of Women voters because of its strong, common sense commitment to the non-partisan examination of important issues. She volunteered for many years at the cancer clinic of Tacoma General Hospital. Her abiding recreational passions were bridge and especially, golf, where her sweet, inclusive nature could share space with her more competitive side. Elvira was a loving, caring and empathetic mother to her children, an inspirational and influential Grandmother and Great Grandmother and a true friend to all. Elvira is survived by her brother Jim, her children Thomas jr(Julie ), Mark(Kathy Fridstein), Paul(Katie) and Janet(Ed Bautista), 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She loved this country and steadfastly believed in democracy, facts, good faith and the common good. In her memory please exercise your sacred right to vote. Memorial contributions may be made in Elvira's name to: Nativity House https://ccsww.org/get-help/housing/permanent-housing/nativity-house-apartments/nativity-house-day-shelter/ Franciscan Hospice House https://www.chifranciscan.org/health-care-services/hospice-and-palliative-care/franciscan-hospice-house.html The Food Connection http://foodconnection.org/ There will be a funeral mass in celebration of Elvira's life on Saturday November 3, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Leo Parish. 710 S. 13th St. Tacoma, WA 98405. A reception will be held immediately after in the CCS hall next door. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.