Marion Manning-Lovett

Marion Manning-Lovett, 77, died at South County Rhode Island Hospice on Christmas Eve surrounded by family and friends. Born in New York City, Marion lived in South Kingstown. The daughter of the late Dorothy and Harold Sullivan (Mema and Bepa) of NYC and Saunderstown, Marion was pre deceased by her sister, Patricia Fish and brother Turner Sullivan. She will be especially missed by her children, Gregory Manning and wife Jennifer; Dory Manning; and Lisa Waldheger and husband, Gavin; and her grandchildren: Benjamin & Chris Manning; and Adam, Kara, and Evan Waldheger. She leaves her brother, Joseph Sullivan and wife Mary Ann. She was aunt to William, Debra, Laura, and Patricia, Julie, Jennifer, Tara, Melissa, and Francesca; twenty great nieces and nephews; and one great, great nephew. She was the matriarch of our family and will forever be in our hearts. Marion will be remembered for the courageous way she faced the illness that took her life, and for the free spirit that was the hallmark of the way she lived. Marion was creative and entrepreneurial, starting and running several businesses. She was an artist who worked in every medium, and created ceaselessly without regard for convention. She was a loving mother and a doting grandmother who saw the beauty in everyone, and she gave generously of herself to anyone in need. Marion was a spectacular embellisher of those stories which needed it most, and believed faithfully in the daily presence of God in our lives, and the transcendence of the human spirit. This may explain her unfailing cheerfulness in the face of life’s trials, including her last. She was an inspiration and a friend to all who truly taught us the Power of Love and Gratitude. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am Saturday, January 2nd, in Saint Francis of Assisi Church, 114 High Street, Wakefield. A reception will follow the service. Burial will be private and visiting hours are respectfully omitted. In Lieu of flowers please send a donation to Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island, South Team,143 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879 or Southern Rhode Island Animal Rescue League-PO Box 458, Wakefield, RI 02880.