Elaine R. Mancuso

Elaine Rayes Mancuso, a.k.a. "Granny," was surrounded by family when she died on December 14, 2010 at her daughter's home in Tallahassee, Florida. She was 78. Her death was caused by metastatic breast cancer.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana on April 5, 1932 as the third of five children to Vincent and Eunice Rayes, Elaine lived a fulfilling life. She married her true love, Charles V. Mancuso, in 1956. As partners, Charles and Elaine founded a successful real estate business and lovingly parented their only child, Sandy Mancuso Vanstrum. Elaine was a devoted wife to Charles until his passing in 1997. In 1997, Elaine moved to Tallahassee, Florida to enjoy her daughter, Sandy, her son-in-law, Arne Carl Vanstrum, and her only grandchild Hayley Elaine Vanstrum. Hayley replaced Charles as the love of Elaine's life. She taught Hayley how to walk, talk, swim, ride a bike, cook and have fun laughing at life. Elaine relocated to her beach home in Seagrove Beach, Florida in 2007 to be near the beach she loved. She enjoyed life there by gardening, decorating, attending art classes and spending time with friends and her precious dog Molly. Elaine's playful sense of humor and kind warm soul touched all she met. She was an independent, strong and brave woman whose life force will be sorely missed. Elaine is survived by her daughter Sandy, son-in-law Arne and granddaughter Hayley. She held a special place in her heart for Edward Folse, the husband of late sister Teresa Lynn Rayes Folse, and her nieces Brigette Folse, Jennifer Allison, Rhonda Solomon, and Roxanne Shifter. She especially appreciated the love of her friends Carol and Marion DeVille, Mike and Jennifer Lucari, Lisa Clark and Pat Faith.

Elaine's life will be honored in private family gathering in Tallahassee, and she will be laid to rest with her husband Charles in New Orleans' Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elaine's honor may be made to the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network, PO Box 1449, New York, NY 10159.

Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Tallahassee, FL.