Flora Tina Manno

Flora Tina Manno passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on March 9, 2026. She lived in Locust Grove Virginia and was born May 21, 1934 in Bay Shore, NY to Henry and Fernanda Zanetti. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and the love of her life Peter Manno. She is survived by her children Peter, Maria, Paul, Carla and Phil and his wife Laura. Her son-in-law Keith Phelps, who passed away in 2023, was loved as one of her own. Her six beloved grandchildren brought her so much joy: Beck and Kara Phelps, Olivia and Luke Manno, Lorenzo Manno and Giancarlo Manno. She was one of five children including her siblings John Zanetti, Maria Pecorale and Henry Zanetti as well as her elder brother Philip Zanetti who passed away in 2020. She was proud to be part of a large family with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins in the US, Switzerland and Italy.

Flora grew up on Long Island, New York and would often reminisce about her childhood. Her childhood was full of many adventures including riding horses on the beach, traveling to Europe and spending long afternoons with extended family enjoying Italian food and laughter. She told stories about the Zanetti family living in an apartment above their restaurant, where the whole family pitched in to make it a well-known pillar of the community. Years later when at restaurants, she would often find solidarity with waitstaff, telling them “I grew up in the business”.

At college at Hofstra, Flora majored in Art and Art History and earned her teaching certificate. After a wonderful trip to Switzerland post-graduation, she got an offer to teach at Great Neck Elementary school. She loved her students and remembered many of their names and their stories all her life. Most memorable was that she met her future husband Peter at the school. What began with friendship grew to courtship, a Central Park proposal in a horse-drawn carriage and then marriage in 1959.

With the arrival of their first child, Flora left teaching for what she would describe as her life’s purpose – to raise a family. After Peter and Maria were born, the young couple ventured south to fast-growing northern Virgina, where Peter gained his first elementary school principal position. Paul, Carla and Phil completed the family over the next few years. Her five children meant everything to her, and she called on her creativity and determination in raising them. She took advantage of living near Washington DC by taking the kids often to museums, parks, and historical sites which her teaching mindset viewed as valuable unstructured learning - no lesson plans needed.

While raising five kids, Flora never left her artist self behind. She kept art projects going, usually late at night when the house was finally quiet. She was justly proudest of one work, an embroidered tapestry of an idealized prancing horse that won “Best in Show” at the Woodlawn Plantation Art Show. She poured so much of herself into it. She later merged teaching and art by working at the Washington National Cathedral, giving tours, lecturing and teaching how to make brass rubbing art from European plaques at the Brass Rubbing Center.

In retirement, Peter and Flora built a home at Lake of the Woods in central Virginia where they happily lived out Peter’s last years, despite his strokes and loss of speech. Flora’s mission became supporting and loving her husband. During this time, their love grew stronger than ever, and they found true happiness in their new life, new friends, and each other. Flora was thrilled during these years to welcome six grandchildren who she showered with love, gifts, and stories and who all cherished their “Nonna”.

Flora marveled at the simple beauty in the world, whether a cardinal in a tree outside her window or the moon shining down at night and calling to her to talk out loud to the husband she missed so much. She drew happiness from her collections from across the globe, whether Pinocchios from Italy, figurines from Russia or nutcrackers from Germany. Later in life when she had more opportunity to travel, she never said no to a trip with her kids or grandkids who loved seeing the world through her eyes.

Those who knew Flora loved her sense of humor and appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. Flora had an artist’s eye, a storyteller’s ear, and a whimsical imagination. She never lost her imagination and storytelling. Even though her deteriorating vision and hearing in the past few years were particularly difficult for her given her love of art and reading, she had the courage to live on her own and manage the best life possible. Her life was full of love and wonder. Our hearts are broken, but her love, kindness and spirit will never be forgotten by those who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 9:00 a.m. with a service to follow at 10:00 a.m., both at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, Virginia 22151.

A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 p.m. at George Washington’s Mount Vernon - Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121.

Wounded Warriors and Smile Train were two of the many causes Flora supported. If you wish to donate in memory of Flora, please give to either of these charities or to another of your choice.