Theresa A. Manno

Our classy, vivacious, inspirational and beloved Gigi completed her journey here on Earth surrounded by her family that adored her, on February 7, 2023, at the age of 95. Theresa A. Manno was born on July 18th 1927 to Jose S. and Maria Teresa Vigil in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was amongst the first class to make their First Communion at the historical Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe. Attended her elementary studies in Pecos New Mexico, skipped her 6th grade year and graduated Valedictorian in the 8th grade. She completed grades 9 through 11 in Las Vegas, New Mexico, where she resided with her grandmother. Her senior year was completed in Oakland, California, where she attended school half a day followed by taking the B Train to San Francisco to work as a telephone operator, for the remainder of the day. In 1945, while working as an operator, she witnessed the gathering and creation of the United Nations in San Francisco. She recalled the experience of watching Joseph Stalin, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill among other leaders, in a parade; as she joined others in throwing ticker tape from the top floor of the telephone company located at Number one Powell Street. She often spoke to her family about the 40’s and the fun she had after WWII dancing to the Big Bands. Her love for dancing was witnessed by many while celebrating her 95th birthday with a margarita at hand; she danced barefoot in the sand!

Theresa moved to Canadian in 1952, met the love of her life, and married Ynez Lopez on June 26, 1954, where they made their home. During this time, Theresa was active in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Canadian teaching and co-ordinating the CCD curriculum for the youth, along with serving and leading different committees. She became a Eucharistic Minister and assisted with communion for church services and visiting the sick. She worked at the City Drug, Rachel’s Little House and receptionist at the Canadian YMCA, where she retired to care for her ailing husband, until his death on January 1 of 1991. Several years later, Theresa met Joseph P. Manno and after a short courtship, they married on April 13, 1996, in Canadian, Texas. They made their home in Amarillo, Texas and together they experienced traveling the world. They joined St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where they became active members in the church and community. While at St. Joseph’s both her and Joseph were Eucharistic Ministers taking communion to the homebound and were lay chaplains at BSA for 11 years; anointing and praying for the sick. She served as Altar Society President, President of St. Rita’s circle and was a member of St. Luke’s ministry. She served on the school board for the Alamo Catholic School. In 1998 she was professed in the Secular Franciscan Order and served as formation director for 4 years. In 2004, she was awarded The Humanitarian Award. In 2009, she served as President of the Church Women United and in 2011, she was awarded The Valiant Woman award. She wrote a story that was published in the book “Keep the Hoe Sharp and the Shot- gun Loaded” and also wrote a children’s book with hopes of getting it published.

Theresa was also known for her amazing cooking and baking skills! She enjoyed entertaining guests as everyone was welcome into her home and at her table. Theresa‘s classiness and impeccable taste for fashion and style reflected her wherever she went. She had a strong belief in giving, and would give anything to a stranger or family member when something she owned was admired. She was a huge advocate for many non-profit organizations. Her biggest community achievements were starting a movement for the awareness of human trafficking before it became a worldwide crisis and working for the Amnesty Program while in Canadian, to assist many individuals to become U.S. citizens. Theresa is preceded in death by her parents Jose S. and Maria Teresa Vigil; Stepmother, Valentina Vigil; husband, Ynes Lopez; husband Joseph P. Manno; brother Sixto Vigil; sisters Olivia Blevins; Donila Vigil and Mary Jane Vigil. Son-in- Laws Dwight Sumner, David H Kirby, and Scott Campbell. She is survived by her three daughters, Anita Sumner from Spearman, Texas; Frances and Eligio Garcia from Amarillo, Texas; Cathy Campbell and Andy Solano of Canadian, Texas; Sisters Dolly and Orlando Vigil from Pecos, New Mexico; Jo Huntington from Pecos, New Mexico; 11 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; 12 great- great grandchildren; and many bonus children and grandchildren all of whom she loved dearly. She adored and cherished her family and was proud of each one of them. She left love on all the hearts she encountered, from the eldest to the new born babies. And was so full of kindness, comfort and compassion. Her wisdom was indescribable. When she spoke, everyone listened and she continued to touch lives until her last breath.