Mary Theresa Manning (nee Cunningham). 96. Bronxville, New York. May 7, 1930-October 17, 2026. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Predeceased by her parents, Mary Ann (nee McDonnell) and Patrick Cunningham, and sister, Patricia Cunningham. Survived by her loving husband of 72 years, James J.P. Manning, her four children, Bernadette Manning (James Kelly), James Manning (Janet), Marianne Russo (Michael) and Rosemary Hughes (Robert); her seven grandchildren: James Manning (Emily), Bridget Hughes (Matthew Pope), Dee Dee Birch (Emily), Catherine Manning, Katherine Russo (Lindsey Faust), Maggi Gallagher (Marco) and Michael Russo; her great-grandchild, Margot Rose Manning; and many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements by Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home, Bronxville, NY. Visitation: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 5-8 PM and Thursday, October 22, 2026 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. Funeral Mass: Friday, October 23, 2026 at 9:45 AM, St. Joseph’s RC Church, Bronxville, New York. Burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY.
Mary was born on May 7, 1930 in the Bronx to Mary Ann (nee McDonnell) and Patrick Cunningham. She had one sister, Patricia Cunningham (a/k/a Sr. Bernadita), who was a member of the Sisters of Christian Charity in Mendham, New Jersey. Mary was a proud graduate of Cathedral High School, Class of 1948.
She met her husband, Jim Manning, at a St. Patrick’s Day dance on March 6, 1948 and they married on December 26, 1953. Together they raised four children and started a small law practice that continues in some form to this day. Mary would answer the phone, type up the legal papers and even file them at the courthouse, sometimes with all four children in tow.
Everyone who came to Mary’s door was welcomed with a cup of tea and a piece of cake. Many sought her counsel and she dispensed endless practical advice from her kitchen table. She believed strongly in the art of tea and conversation.
The light of her life were her children and her seven grandchildren, all of whom were frequent visitors to her home, including her beloved Jersey Shore. Her happiest days were those surrounded by her family. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed both telling and hearing a good story. She was a fierce FDR Democrat and loved a good political debate.
Mary was a member of the Ladies of Charity and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. She was a lifelong caregiver to whomever came into her orbit.
Her laughter, love and wisdom will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mary Manning to the Sisters of Christian Charity in Mendham, New Jersey, https://sccus.org/donate.
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