Mary Ann Manning
Mary was born in Chicago, Illinois, to a father who was a career policeman and mother who was a housewife. She is first generation Irish. Mary’s father was born in a village called Athlone located near the center of Ireland. He became an American citizen by enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WW2.
Mary attended college at Roosevelt University outside of Chicago studying French and American Literature. She started her career at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois as an event planner, which lead to her lifetime career as a salesperson and eventually working out of the Santa Barbara office where she retired. Mary ended her career in 2016 with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield as the Director of Group Sales after 30+ years. While Mary was an extremely successful businesswomen especially in a male-dominated industry, her greatest joys were building personal relationships, spending time with loved ones, working out at the gym, and of course dancing.
Dancing was where Mary met her husband, Bob Coleman. These two were the perfect dance partners, but most importantly they were the perfect life partners. As they learned the dance steps, they realized during that process what fun they could have living life together. The chance encounter at the Carrillo Recreation Center and after a few dates, found Mary and Bob were inseparable.
Everyone who met Mary enjoyed her joie de vivre or joy of life. Mary continued the tradition of her father, Patrick, that everything is a potential laugh and to enjoy life every day. She maintained a lightness of being that she shared with everyone. This is what will be missed.
Mary leaves behind her husband Bob Coleman, her sister Diane Ferrara (Charlie), her niece Morgan Spicer (John), her very much-loved grand-nephew Sam Spicer, and her beautiful poodle Astro.
I want to give a special thanks everyone at Heritage House. Shout out to President Bill McGeever for building such a fine facility. Alejandra Nunez and Sofia Vasquez for their tireless effort and understanding. To all the caregivers and staff at Heritage House that made Mary’s stay comfortable.
