Etta G. Manson, had a radiant smile

Etta G. Manson, 96, of Milton, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, at her home.  She was born April 1, 1925, in Richmond, Va., daughter of the late Charles and Gertrude McDonald.

Etta’s radiant, welcoming smile was surpassed in beauty only by her musical laughter, laughter that welcomed everyone into her home and into her life.  Few people who knew her understood how she struggled with painful shyness into late adulthood, shyness which was sometimes misconstrued as standoffishness, belying a warm heart.

Born in the backdraft of the Great Depression into a Puritan family, both of which would define her world for many years, Etta’s takeaway was a Pollyanna-esque capacity for joy, patience, hope, persistence, and personal growth. She never met a day devoid of the promise she believed each one held. She embraced each day as a gift she was meant to treasure.

An April Fool's baby, Etta was the last of eight children, born to parents who were old enough to be her grandparents. The family joke was the speed with which her mother relocated her dad to another bedroom after she was born. Eight was enough. Etta was raised by her parents and siblings who introduced her gently (and sometimes not so gently) to the world she would make her own. They ensured her safety, and it was through them she met her only love, Robert, with whom she would make a wonderful life for 67 years.

Etta had many tangible gifts. She made the best apple pie on earth, and her home was littered with the products of what can only be called the work of a professional seamstress. Her home was her castle, sans turrets. It was a wonderful place to raise two children and their friends.

Etta’s was a life well-lived with purpose, determination, patience, and of course, an abundance of love for every day, everything, and everyone. Grace defined her life. It would have suited her well as a name.  Etta engendered the love of many people, young and old, all of whom will miss her deeply.

Etta is survived by her children: John L. Manson (Deborah), and Stacy Manson; her grandchildren: Olivia Manson, Joseph Manson (Jennifer); and her great-grandchildren: Lucas Manson and Wyatt Manson.

Services are private.  Final care has been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

Visit Etta’s Life Memorial webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.