NORWICH – Rita Manley, 59, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and companion, went to be with the Lord on May 31, 2006.
Born in Buffalo on April 27, 1947, Rita moved to the Norwich area as a young child. She attended school in Norwich and Edmeston and, following high school, was employed by the Norwich Knitting Mill. She held several jobs over the years, her favorite being with Valley View Manor Nursing Home where she was loved by the staff and, especially, the patients. Rita had the ability to make anyone laugh, and touched the heart of all who met her. She was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
Rita is survived by her loving companion of the past 17 years, Harold Harris of Greene; by her daughters: Michelle Cole and companion Cody Fairbanks of Norwich, and Renee Branagan and husband Bradley Branagan of South Otselic; her treasured granddaughters, Brittani and Carolyn Jamison of Norwich; her sisters: Sharon Rundle of Richmonds, Va., Gloria Foote and husband Leon, and Beverly Sherman and companion Michael Smith of Norwich; and her brother, Thomas Manley and wife Michelle of Richville. She is also survived by her nieces: Shylo Sherman, Jennifer Morris, and Kristi Foote of Norwich; Laurabeth, Rebecca, and Kaitlyn Manley of Richville; and Debra Rundle of Sterling, Va.; by her nephews: Willie and Khyle Sherman of Norwich; Derek and Joshua Manley of Richville; and David Rundle of Marathon; by several great nieces and nephews, friends, and her very special friend, Rhonda Brazee of Norwich; and by her favorite cockatoo. Garth, who kept her company and gave her much pleasure. Rita was predeceased by her parents, Edith and Tyrus Manley, and her grandson, Donovan Cole of Norwich.
Funeral services for Rita will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Ralph Hinman, pastor of the Bible Baptist Church of Norwich, will officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m.