It is with profound love and gratitude for a life lived with love, beauty, and great faith that the family announces the passing of Ellen Manning, who passed from this world on Oct. 31, 2026 at the age of 82.
Ellen was born on Dec. 3, 1943, to Thomas Henry “Hank” and Eileen (Nerney, aka Nern) Hardiman in Chicago, Illinois.
Ellen Manning (née Hardiman) was the beloved wife of the late Raymond J. Manning; loving mother of Scott Manning (deceased) and Michele Crombie (Kenneth); cherished Nana of Mark Manning (Jennifer), Kendell Crombie, and Skylar Crombie (fiancée Max Damron); Grand-nan of Blaire and Blake; her loving companion Robert Chalifoux; dear sister of the late Rita Podesta (Richard, deceased), Mary Desmond (Michael), Thomas Hardiman (Carol), Joan Hughes Hardiman, and James Hardiman; cherished aunt and great-aunt to more nieces and nephews than she could count; and many dear cousins.
Ellen was a proud Irish woman, growing up on the South Side of Chicago. She dedicated her life to service, family, education and faith.
She attended St. Dorothy’s High School, after which she became a Daughter of Charity. She served as a Daughter of Charity for 10 years where she taught at Providence Junior High in St. Louis, Missouri, and at St. James Major School in Prichard, Alabama.
After leaving the convent, Ellen moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she taught at and was vice principal of St. Peter Claver from 1971-81. During those years, she met and married Raymond J. Manning in 1975. They became an instant family, with Scott and Michele. Ellen and Ray were married just a few weeks short of 34 years.
Ellen earned her master’s degree in education from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.
In 1981-82 Ellen went on sabbatical to Tucson, Arizona. In 1982 they moved to Santa Barbara, a place where she and Ray had vacationed often and always wished to live.
For four years, Ellen taught fourth grade at St. Raphael School. She was asked to serve as interim principal for a year, which magically became 24 years.
She always saw the world of education as more than a job; it was a ministry. She did her work with great compassion, love, and a thundering velvet hand.
In her later years, Ellen rekindled a friendship with Robert Chalifoux, whom she had first met as a schoolgirl, she in fifth grade, he in seventh.
They drifted in and out of each other’s lives over the decades, and in their golden years they found their way back to one another, traveling and sharing life as loving partners.
A rosary for Ellen will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29 at St. Raphael Church. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 at St. Raphael Church, with reception following in the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Ellen’s memory by supporting the school she loved so dearly, St. Raphael School.
St. Raphael was a true passion of my mom’s, and contributions made in her memory will help continue the work that meant so much to her.
Checks may be made payable to St. Raphael School, with your donation designated to one of the following areas, or click here to donate online.
1. ELP (Exceptional Learning Program): Supporting children with learning differences and helping them reach their full potential.
- Adopt a Student: Providing tuition assistance to families who might otherwise be unable to afford a Catholic education.
- Building Improvements: Supporting the ongoing improvements and enhancements that help keep St. Raphael School a wonderful place to learn and grow.
Thank you for honoring and celebrating Ellen’s life by giving to a school that held such a special place in her heart. Your generosity is a beautiful way to continue her legacy and support the community she loved so much.