Mary Elizabeth Manion

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Manion, age 72, of Auburndale, passed away on July 28, 2015, at Winter Haven Hospital. She was a "trooper" having battled and conquered many serious health conditions and has gone home for eternal rest with Our Heavenly Father. She is survived by her loving husband Charles "Chick" Manion, daughters Kelly Manion and Kathleen "Katie" Petro, and granddaughter Elizabeth "Lizz" Petro-Levay. Mary was born in Acton, Massachusetts to Edmond J. McNiff and Helen C. Schnair McNiff. She is also survived by her brother John "Doc" McNiff and sister Patricia "Tish" Haras. Mary and Chick met in the 7th grade and attended Acton Boxborough High School together. Mary graduated from Westbrook College in Portland, Maine as a dental hygienist. They were united in marriage in 1964 and celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary last summer. Following the Blizzard of 1978, they decided to move south and chose Auburndale, Florida where they would raise their family living the LAKE LIFE on the shores of Lake Ariana. Mary considered "her lake" to be a blessed gift from God and she cherished the sunrise and sunset each and every day. She embraced life surrounded by family and friends and celebrated right until the end Her celebration will continue with visitation services at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven on Friday July 31st from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday August 1st at 1 p.m. in Winter Haven at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in the chapel followed by a reception (in true "Mary Style") at 2044 Ariana Boulevard in Auburndale. Condolences may be sent at www.oakridgefuneralcare.com