Florence M. McManus

Mrs. Florence M. (Dodge) McManus, of Weston, died Sunday, December 22, 2013 in her home, after a courageous battle against ALS.

Florence was born in New York City on May 21, 1944. She moved to Boston at a young age and was raised there. After graduating Cathedral High School, Florence continued her thirst for knowledge and earned her Bachelor of Education degree from Boston State College, her Masters of Science degree from Union College and her Masters of Library Science degree from Simmons College.

Florence worked in Boston Public Schools from 1968 until 2002, first as a mathematics teacher and later as a librarian. She also worked and volunteered at the town libraries in Weston and in Wayland for eighteen years; most recently as the reference librarian in Weston. A Weston resident since 1980, she moved to Natick in 2001 before returning to Weston earlier this year.

The wife of the late Edward M. McManus, she leaves behind her son, Stephen E. McManus and his wife, Kathryn, of Medford. She was fortunate enough to spend time with her cherished granddaughter, Lorelei Florence McManus, who was born this summer. She is survived by her sisters, Rose Matanes of Canton and Muriel Beckett of Lighthouse Point, Florida. She was also a sister of the late Albert and Thomas Dodge.

Florence's kind and warm nature charmed everyone she met. Family and friends will honor and remember Florence's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday, December 29th, from 2 to 5 p.m. and again at 11 a.m. on Monday morning when her funeral service will be held. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS: http://www.ccals.org/