WATERTOWN, NY —Â Thelma R. McManaman, 94, Watertown died peacefully with her family by her side Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Samaritan Summit Village where she had lived since April 2022. A special thank you from her family to the staff on the Skilled Nursing Unit, 1st floor, side A for the wonderful and compassionate care given to her.
Thelma was born Feb. 8, 1929, in Walton, NY to the late Harold and Nellie McGraw VanGordon. She attended Walton schools and after the family moved to Watertown, she graduated from Watertown High School.
She married Paul A. McManaman on April 3, 1948, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church. He passed away on Jan. 30, 2022. Together they raised a beautiful family of seven children.
Thelma was a long time parishioner of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, a member of its Legion of Mary, was a Eucharistic minister, and was a former vice president of the Altar Rosary Society. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed cooking and baking. She always looked forward to her many bus trips with her daughters to see off-Broadway plays and visit casinos. Thelma was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, cherishing time spent with her family.
She is survived by her children, Sandra Mckee, Cathy Chirico, and Debbie Affinati, all of Watertown, Joanne McManaman and Theresa Brownell, both of Omaha, NE, and Paul McManaman, Pensacola, FL; a son-in-law Glenn Turner, Omaha, NE; 19 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and three great- great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents and husband, Thelma was predeceased by daughter Paula Turner, grandson Ken Shean, two sons-in-law, George McKee and Patsy Chirico; two sisters, Charlotte Wilcox and Jean McAvoy; and a brother Robert VanGordon.
Calling hours will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 13, at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 14, at 10AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church followed by burial in Glenwood Cemetery.
Online condolences may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, 320 W. Lynde St., Watertown, NY 13601.