Laure Manning

Laure Manning, 69, of South Kingstown, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Born in Providence, she was the first child of the late Thomas F. Manning and Barbara Quinn Manning.

Laure graduated from Prout Memorial High School in 1972, and studied at the University of Rhode Island, where she majored in Education. She worked for many years as an Education Consultant for Discovery Toys, bringing educational toys and games to countless children. She also volunteered as a classroom aide at Matunuck Elementary, and served on the Special Education Advisory Committee in South Kingstown.

In 1982, Laure was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which led to her involvement with the National MS Society as a Support Group Leader. She also volunteered at the MS Walk for many years, helping to raise money to research a cure for the disease. Laure was honored by the Rhode Island Chapter of the MS Society as 1997's MS Mom of the Year, for "excellent parenting despite the limitations placed on her by MS."

Laure was an avid birder, and loved watching the birds outside her bedroom window (and yelling at the squirrels to get off her bird feeder). She was also an avid gardener. Even when her MS progression had left her wheelchair-bound, she could still sometimes be seen working on the planter in her backyard, built for her by her husband for exactly that purpose.

Laure is survived by Michael Riley, to whom she was a devoted and loving wife for 42 years, her children, Kyle (Kristen) Manning-Riley, Caitlin (Jassie) Manning-Riley, and Devin Manning-Riley, her siblings, Jean Manning Albert and Thomas Manning, her sister-in-law Michelle Manning, her brothers-in-law Lloyd Albert and James Cashman, and her beloved nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother Peter Manning.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, March 16th from 3-5 pm. in Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield, 02879. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Laure’s name to the National MS Society.