Doris Mani

MADISON- Doris E. Mani, age 100, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at the Capitol Lakes Health Center in Madison. The oldest of three children, Doris was born to Hilda (Kittleson) Jordee and Darwin Jordee at her family farm in the green, rolling hills near New Glarus, on July 4, 1913. She was baptized and confirmed at the old York Lutheran Church. Together with her sister, Cristel and brother, Donald, Doris grew up doing her share of the many chores needed on a farm without electricity. She went to the one-room Tyvand country school and told many stories about walking across fields in homemade leggings and coats to ward off the winter chill. Childhood in post World War I America involved self made games and simple entertainment. Playing with neighbor children and her 68 cousins gave Doris many pleasant memories. Doris worked for room and board at her aunt's home to attend her freshman year at Blanchardville High School. She graduated in 1932 when she, Cristel, and a friend shared a rumble seat ride to the Chicago World’s Fair. In addition, she attended Groves-Barnhart Secretarial School in Madison, and also worked as a nanny in Monroe, once helping nurse two girls through scarlet fever. She married Russell Mani on Sept. 1, 1940. Doris and Russ had three children, Joan Kay, Donald Russell and Barbara Louise. Doris was a proud homemaker, a Girl Scout Leader, and a Sunday School teacher at Bethel Lutheran Church. Her close knit Sewing Club enjoyed coffee, conversation and fun, perhaps more than sewing. She was also a volunteer at Bethel Parish Shop. Doris loved her church and was especially interested in the growth of Bethel Horizons where Russ frequently volunteered. Doris loved traveling and had great stories about trips to Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Alaska, and Hawaii. In her lifetime, Doris had more than her share of loss. All of her children preceded her in death. Donnie was lost at age two, while Russ was in service and stationed in Alabama and Joan passed away at age 31. After 46 years of marriage, Doris lost Russell in 1986. Her youngest child, Barb (Christiansen) died in 1994, age 48. During her long life, Doris has also been preceded in death by her parents; brother; sister; and many family and friends as well. Doris was the last member of the Blanchardville High School class of 1932. Doris is survived by her niece, Jean Paulson of Eureka, Calif; and nephew, Phil Paulson, his wife, Karen (Anderson) of Sun Prairie, their children, Kim Paulson and Mark (Lisa) Paulson, of Jackson, and their three children. Doris is also survived by many children of cousins and in-laws, including Aldeen Fjelstad and Bill (Dee) Pursell of Madison, Vera McCaughey of Oregon, Jim (Linda) Steyer of Wisconsin Dells, and Todd (Gloria) Steyer of Verona. Doris was our matriarch, a faithful, modest, uncomplaining and loving example for all of us. Despite all of her personal tragedies, she remained a content and happy person. That was her triumph. We will sorely miss her. We wish to thank the following people who helped her reach her goal of celebrating her 100th birthday and kept her comfortable in her last years: Dr. Kosteleyna and the staffs of Capitol Lakes: Heights, Terraces, the Health Center and Bright Star. Special thanks to her longtime aides and friends: Lexie and Aicha, Renee and the staff of Agrace Hospice, including volunteers keeping vigil in her last days. Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to Rev. Curtis Everson of Bethel Lutheran Church, and Rev. Guta Cvetkovic of Capitol Lakes. Our love and gratitude also goes to the friends of Joan and Barb who adopted Doris as “mother”. They visited, and sent cards, flowers and photos so Doris always had plenty of “family” surrounding her. A Celebration of Doris’s Life will be held in the GRAND HALL OF CAPITOL LAKES, 345 W Main St., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013, with Rev. Curtis Everson presiding. Visitation will be held at the hall from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. Memorials in Doris’s name may be made to Bethel Horizons, Agrace Hospice, or a charity of your choice. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420