Elner Mildred Mann, 90, of Paxtang, widow of Kenneth Mann, passed away peacefully at Homeland Center, Harrisburg. Born September 12, 1934 in Conyngham Township, PA to her loving parents, Benjamin and Mildred (Cunfer) Race, Elner lived a life full of purpose, family, and just the right amount of mischief.
Elner graduated from Wilkes-Barre General Hospital School of Nursing and attended G.A.R. Memorial Junior/Senior High School in Wilkes-Barre. After meeting at church activities, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Mann, on February 11, 1956 in Wilkes-Barre. Together, they raised four children at their home in Paxtang, where she especially loved tending her beautiful garden.
As a career nurse, Elner worked in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and as a night nurse for a trucking company, where she once saved the life of a stricken man. Elner loved caring for people and took exceptional care of all her patients. She was especially proud and honored to serve as the Legislative Nurse, providing healthcare for members and staff of the PA State House and Senate. Elner was often called upon to serve as a nurse within her community which included health inspector for Paxtang Borough and volunteer nurse at Scout camps. She also tended to her family, removing splinters and stitches, and acting as the family “tooth puller.” She also lovingly and faithfully cared for her husband throughout his end-of-life journey.
Elner served in the local chapter of Tau Phi Lambda Sorority, where she was elected state president. Elner loved to do crafts and had a very special talent for needlepoint and sewing. Elner and Ken also loved to travel, especially to Nokomis, FL where they spent time as snowbirds. But most of all, she loved sharing these joys with her friends and family. She was a faithful member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for 60 years. Elner resided in Paxtang until she moved to Homeland where she formed close relationships and received the most excellent care.
Elner was happiest when she was spending time with her beloved family and absolutely adored her eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; she was the heartbeat and magic of every family gathering. Nothing brought her greater joy than baking a carrot cake decorated with her homegrown flowers for a birthday, pouring Whisky Sours on Christmas Eve, or treating everyone to a Hershey Kiss. “Miss Ellie”, as she was affectionately known, will be remembered for being a loving mother, wife, Grammy, GG, sister, and friend. She was so proud of her family and loved them very much.
Elner is survived by her four children and their spouses: Barbara (Michael) Zeigler of Harrisburg, Cathy (Jeff) Fagan of Harrisburg, D. Jeffrey (Susan) Mann of Fort Mill, SC, and Steve (Sue) Mann of Havertown; her grandchildren: Amy Zeigler (Ethan Ellenberger), Kelsey Fagan, Sarah (Kevin) Rose, Emily Fagan (Jake Kuhn), Tom Mann, Jack Mann, Jeremy Mann, and Justine Mann; her great grandchildren: Sophie, Ava, Isabelle, Theo, Mikko and Lucas; her brother and sister-in-law, Byron and Irene Race, and sister-in-law, Donna Chickanosky; special nieces and nephews; and her beloved grandpets.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and her sister, Barbara Race.
Visitation will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, April 30 followed by a Memorial Eucharist at 11 AM in the Chapel of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3700 Rutherford Street, Harrisburg. Elner will be laid to rest beside her husband at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to her church, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 3700 Rutherford Street, Harrisburg, 17111 or Homeland Center, 1901 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, 17102. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Homeland Center for their care and compassion.
As she sang to every baby in her arms over the years, “Tell me a story, tell me a story, tell me a story, and then I’ll go to sleep”. Her story is now told, and it’s her turn to sleep. Rest well, Mom. We love you.
