Mary E. Manahan

WORCESTER – Mary E. (Harvey) Manahan, 99, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2026, at UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus. Mary was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late Michael and Helen (Healy) Harvey. She is predeceased in death by the love of her life, her beloved husband, Edward F. Manahan; her brothers, Walter, William and Donald; and her two sisters, Madeline Sullivan and Dorothy Lynch.

Mary is survived by her loving children and their spouses, Sheila Clifford (Michael) of Holden and MaryEllen Zemlin (John) of Seattle, WA; her three grandchildren, Michael Clifford (Sarah) of Shrewsbury and John and Lucas Zemlin of Seattle, WA; three great-grandchildren including Daniel, Erin and Kerry Clifford, who filled Mary’s life with an extra measure of joy the last several years of her life; her sister, Helen Bolil of TX; a sister-in-law, Denyse Harvey of Auburn, plus many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A life-long resident of Worcester, Mary graduated from the former Commerce High School and attended Becker College. She retired from the Worcester Art Museum as Administrative Assistant to the Director. Mary’s greatest joy in life was the gift of motherhood. She was a devout Catholic defined by her unwavering faith, strength and courage. She and Edward were founding members of St. George Church where she served in many ministries including Eucharistic Minister. She was a member of the Emerald Club, the Worcester Music Guild, the Former Bancroft Chapter of AARP and past president of the Outdoor Sports Club. Mary also volunteered her time at Marillac Manor for many years. She was active in the former Children’s Fund Players; a community theatre troupe of women who performed musical comedy shows for the benefit of Our Lady of Mercy School.

She enjoyed music, dancing, theatre, shopping, traveling and bridge, but most of all she enjoyed party time with her family, extended family, and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mary’s family from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 17 in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11a.m. at St. George Church, 40 Brattle Street, Worcester. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Briarwood Residents Assistance Fund online at briarwoodretirement.com or by mail to 65 Briarwood Circle, Worcester, MA 01606.