Elaine Ann (Manupelli) Colonna, 70, of Franklin, passed away peacefully on November 1 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. She was the beloved wife of James M. Colonna for the past 44 years.
Born in Chelsea, on May 5, 1955, she was the daughter of the late George Manupelli and Irene (Frongillo) Bosworth. Elaine was raised in Weymouth and had lived in Franklin since 1981.
A graduate of Weymouth North High School and Framingham State College, where she earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education, Elaine—known affectionately as Laine—spent her career caring for others, including many years working at the Franklin Stop & Shop Supermarket, where she made wonderful friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Laine was the heart of her family. She was the best mother anyone could ask for—loving, supportive, and always ready to listen or lend a helping hand to her daughters, Kristen L. Colonna of North Attleboro and Melanie Walker and her husband Matthew of Bellingham.
Her greatest joy in life was being “Nana.” She adored her grandchildren, Abigail, Olivia, Kayla, and Riley, and treasured every moment spent with them. Whether it was cheering them on, sharing stories, or simply being together, her love for them was endless.
Laine loved the simple joys in life—days at the beach that stretched past sunset with a good book in hand, bowling nights, and playing cards with friends. She was also a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan who rarely missed a game, whether watching from her favorite chair or listening on the radio. Baseball season always brought her joy, hope, and plenty of cheering.
In addition to her husband, daughters, and grandchildren, Elaine is survived by her loving siblings, Steven Manupelli and his wife Joanne of Whitman and Linda Hanover and Jim Young of Falmouth.
Laine’s warmth, laughter, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her love will live on in her family and in the many beautiful memories she leaves behind.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday,November11, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the
Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin,(ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street, Franklin, MA .
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elaine’s memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support cancer research:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
P.O. Box 849168
Boston, MA 02284
Online: jimmyfund.org/gift [jimmyfund.org]