Mary Mcmanus

To live stream the funeral click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and then click watch now on the "Live Webcast" Mary Eileen McManus of Urbandale, IA, entered eternal life at the age of 90 on Nov. 15, 2021. Her passing came one day after her husband Walter’s eighth anniversary of passing on Nov. 14. Mary was graceful and gifted, serving others with compassion her entire life. Born the second in a family of eight children in Jefferson, IA, she became a mother of six, all born within her first nine years of marriage. She was cherished for her intellect, humor, and guiding her children into pursuits using their God-given talents. Mary, known as Mimi or Grandma Mary, became the go-to confidante of her grandchildren. She was very present in their lives and famous for sending cards, cash and salient notes for any occasion to show her love. She designated a certain day of the week for special prayers for each member of her family. She nurtured hundreds more, as a family therapist who believed faith was the foundation to a fulfilled life. Mary began her education at the age of 4, traipsing the rural landscape to a one-room schoolhouse. She attended Bellevue High School in Nebraska. She received her nursing degree from St. Joseph’s Hospital, affiliated with Creighton University. In their first years of marriage, Mary and Walt, who served as a US Army Judge Advocate, moved more than ten times as he served our country. They settled in Urbandale in 1957. Once all her children were in school fulltime, Mary worked as a substitute nurse in the Des Moines Public Schools while pursuing undergraduate and master’s degrees at Drake University. She began a more than 20-year career as a counselor, serving as an in-patient counselor at the Harold Hughes Treatment Center and then at MADRAP (Mercy Alcohol & Drug Recovery Program). She opened her own family therapy practice in Urbandale and received certifications in death and dying, addictions, dream interpretation, and spiritual direction. She kept her nursing license active into her early 80s. She retired to care for her husband in his final years. They celebrated 61 years of marriage. Starting with their 25th wedding anniversary, they became world travelers for the next three decades, touring numerous countries multiple times, including pilgrimages to Marian Apparition sites, Italy, France, Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, and visiting her brother, a missionary priest in the Amazon Jungle. She and Walt volunteered for years with Door of Faith, facilitating “Fifth Steps” with residents. They were lay Carmelites and longtime Serra Club members in support of religious vocations. Mary wrote poetry in her later years. Her works were chosen by a blind jury for publication in Lyrical Iowa every year for a decade. She sang in music programs growing up and with the St. Pius X choir. Her legacy is a life well lived witnessing her Catholic faith through words and deeds. Her spirit lives on: In her six children: Dennis (Donna) McManus; Julie McManus (Tim Schupp); Lore McManus (Jim) Solo; Patrick (Nancy) McManus; Maureen McManus (Tom) Porth; and Stephen (Lisa) McManus. In her 14 grandchildren: Megan (Dan) Gonzalez; Caitlin McManus; Keeley McManus; Ryan Newhouse; Matt Newhouse; Patrick (Kristina) Reilly; Emily Solo (Adam) Tell; Amanda Young; Nick (Jamie)Young; PJ McManus; Madi Porth; Robbie Porth; Eileen McManus; and Mike McManus. In her six great-grandchildren: Cohen Moore, Audrey Reilly, Nolan Reilly, Emileah Velasco, Eden Young, and Leo Young. In her brothers, sisters, and in-laws: Margaret Langan, Caldwell, ID; Julie (Scott) Tefft, Georgetown, TX; Fr. John E. Gouger, Liguori, MO; Mike (Linda) Gouger, Omaha, NE; and sisters-in-law Margaret Gouger, Lees Summit, MO; and Shirley Gouger, Omaha, NE. Among those who’ve gone before her are her husband Walter, brothers Tom and Bill, sister Joanne, and brother-in-law Gerry Langan. Her family thanks the staff of 3801 Grand and her private caregivers for their dedication, including Bob and Cathy Castro, Grace Flores, and Jennifer Thomas of Visiting Angels. Visitation will be 3:30 pm-7 pm, Mon., Nov. 29 with a prayer service and scriptural rosary to follow. Her funeral will be 10:30 am, Tues., Nov. 30 with a luncheon immediately following. Her services will be at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale, IA. Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines at 10 am, Weds., Dec. 1. Streaming for the funeral will be available at: www.caldwellparrish.com In her honor, memorials may be made to Rock In Prevention, Basilica of St. John, St. Pius X Church, or Iowans for LIFE, all in Des Moines.