Dorothy Agnes (Gratton) Manning, age 101, passed away peacefully on Wednesday July 18, 2018, at Brookdale Spruce Wood, Durham, NH. She was born in Derry, NH on March 4, 1917, a daughter of the late Arthur and Nellie (Ettridge) Gratton and lived most of her life in Derry. Dottie, as she was known, was a communicant at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Derry, where she was a member of the Tabernacle Society. Prior to retirement, she had been employed by Klev-Bro Shoe Company, Derry, NH as an office worker.
Dorothy was a devoted wife to her husband Leo and loving mother to her daughter Sharon. Dorothy cherished time spent with family and friends. She enjoyed company, while wearing her sunshine smile and welcomed all visitors into her house. Dottie enjoyed playing cards especially holding whist parties at her home, playing board games, bingo, making jig-saw puzzles. She also enjoyed travelling, camping, knitting, sewing, reading, taking ceramics classes, going to plays and Barbershop shows. She was in many candlepin bowling leagues, was a member of and sang in the Derry Sweet Adelines, and was a member of the Happy Dozen Girls Club. Dottie was a snowbird, spending time at her Florida home. In October 2012, Dottie, as she was known, moved into assisted living at Brookdale Spruce Wood, Durham, where she received compassionate support throughout her residency.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Sharon E. Ryan and her husband Michael Ryan Jr. of Merrimack, NH, two grandchildren, Erik Ryan and Alan Gay, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Leo E. Manning, on December 16, 1991, and all her siblings, Eileen T. “Ei” Gratton, Eleanor M. “El” Guill, Virginia R. “Ginger” Blain, Baby Grace, James E. “Bill” Gratton, John Gratton and Edward J. “Bud” Gratton.
Calling hours were held on Monday, July 23, 2018 from 9 – 11am in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry. A funeral service followed at 11:00am in the funeral home. Burial followed in the Holy Cross Cemetery, Gilcreast Road, Londonderry. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dorothy’s memory to Brookdale Spruce Wood, 25 Worthen Road, Durham, NH. Her daughter would like to extend her gratitude to the Brookdale Spruce Wood Staff for their exceptional care in taking care of Dorothy and as the end of life drew near to Brookhaven Hospice, Salem, NH as well.