OBITUARY: Ruth L. (Manning) Manni, 84

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Ruth L. Manni (Manning), age 84, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Ruth was born on September 7, 1939, in Melrose, MA; she was the cherished daughter of the late Joseph and Ruth (Connolly) Manning. Ruth was raised and educated in Melrose where she made many life-long friends and was a graduate of Melrose High School with the Class of 1957.

Ruth married the love of her life, Victor Manni on June 9, 1962; the couple moved into their “forever home” in Wilmington in 1963 and raised two wonderful children, Dawn and Michael. Ruth loved her home, and her door was always open to welcome her family, friends or anybody who needed a hand. She enjoyed family gatherings and entertaining everyone whether it was a holiday, special celebration, or a cookout poolside in the back yard; she just loved to have everyone around. Ruth enjoyed being outside in her yard where she created beautiful flower gardens for all to enjoy.

Ruth’s family was always her priority; she was always there to support them and lend a hand whenever they needed her. Ruth treasured her role as “Nannie” and she looked forward to the time she spent with her granddaughters, most likely doing whatever they wanted.

Ruth worked hard throughout her life; following high school she took a position at the Telephone Company and started a long career with “Ma Bell”. Ruth was a “go getter” with a great personality; throughout the years she made many long-time friends with her co-workers. Ruth was part of countless changes in the telephone and communication field, and she was eager and willing to learn. Ruth was open-minded and changed with the times, this along with her great work ethic made her a great asset to the company as she worked her way up the ranks to Plant Department Supervisor, a position she held until her retirement in 1989.

In her spare time, Ruth enjoyed playing golf and belonged to several golf leagues throughout the years. She was an avid bowler in her bowling league and a tad bit competitive when it came to her athleticism.

Ruth looked forward to heading “up North” to their family home in Fryeburg, Maine, where all were welcome. She and Victor made many great friends in Maine, they loved to go snowmobiling, and of course to entertain.

Ruth was a social butterfly who loved to go out to lunch with her husband, family, friends, and her girlfriend groups. Ruth was always out and about doing something fun, and you were sure to have a great time if you were out with her.

Ruth and Victor loved to travel; they took some beautiful trips all over the world where they could meet new people, see new places, and experience new cultures. Ruth always had a great story or two of their wonderful adventures that she shared with family and friends.

Ruth will be fondly remembered for many things; she was outgoing, friendly, a great neighbor, and a true friend who would do anything to help anyone. The Wilmington neighborhood was very close-knit, and they considered each other family. She had a lot of energy and a spunky personality that drew people to her. Ruth loved her family and friends with all her heart; she will forever be missed by all who knew her.

Ruth was the beloved wife of the late Victor Manni, devoted mother of Dawn Grasso and her husband Louis and the late Michael Manni all of Wilmington, loving “Nannie” of Cassandra Grasso, Samantha Grasso, and Violet Manni, dear sister of the late Joan Tufts and the late Mary Lou Oatis. Ruth was also very special to her daughter-in-law Linda Stine, and she is further survived by several brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Saturday, May 18th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Thomas Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA. Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday, May 17th from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Donations in Ruth’s memory may be made to the Parish of the Transfiguration (St. Thomas Church), Parish Office, 11 Harnden Street, Wilmington, MA 01887.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.