Penelope "Penny" Manuel

Penny Manuel, 97, passed away peacefully at home in her sleep where she was recovering from a brief hospitalization. Penny lived a long, full life and found great joy through her charitable work, her wide circle of both new and old friends, and most deeply through her love for her immediate and extended family.

Penny was born in Salem, IL and spent her early childhood in nearby Vandalia, IL. Penny was the eldest daughter of Gus and Mary Matalas who immigrated to the United States from Greece. Penny’s birth was followed by that of her brother Nicholas C. Matalas (deceased) in 1930 and her sister Elaine (Matalas) Michaels (deceased) in 1935. By her teen years, the family moved to Henderson NC, where Penny graduated from Henderson High School in 1945. She went on to attend Meredith College, in Raleigh North Carolina where she studied for two years before transferring to and graduating with a business degree from Winthrop College, the South Carolina College for Women (now Winthrop University) in Rock Hill, SC.

After college, Penny worked as an Executive Secretary for several companies in Charlotte, NC. She also became involved in AHEPA where she connected with the Greek community, developed her devotion to charitable activities, and built her social and professional life. She met her future husband Anthony Ernest Manuel (deceased) at an AHEPA convention. Penny moved to the Washington, D.C. area where Tony was living when they married in 1960.

Soon after, Penny and Tony bought a beautiful home in Rockville, MD where they raised their two children, Ernest (Ernie) Anthony Manual (1965) and Lainie Manual (1967), and built a wonderful life together. In 1969, Penny and Tony, along with Tony’s brother James (Jim) Manuel opened Ernie’s restaurant in Rockville, MD and expanded to two additional locations. They eventually closed all but the Gaithersburg, location, and sadly Tony’s brother James passed away shortly after. Penny and Tony, along with Jim’s wife Mary, continued to run the Gaithersburg location, which they expanded into a locals and family favorite restaurant. Penny was a fixture at the restaurant and enjoyed building friendships with the wide community of regular customers and welcoming newcomers for over 20 years.

During this time Penny and Tony bought a beach house in Ocean City, MD. She enjoyed spending summers there and generously invited friends and family throughout every beach season for many years, creating happy memories for her extended network of family and friends.

Throughout her life, Penny remained active in charitable projects. She was very involved in fundraising programs at Ernie and Lanie’s elementary schools. She also continued her involvement with AHEPA and was instrumental in founding the Arion Chapter 298 of the Daughters of Penelope (the women’s affiliate organization of the AHEPA family) in 1961. She served as the President of this chapter for many years and led and contributed to countless projects that assisted charitable organizations throughout her many years of membership. She was honored for her over 50 years of service and leadership in the Daughters of Penelope in 2007.

Additionally, Penny was active with the Miss America Organization as the Executive Director of the Miss Montgomery County Pageant for over 20 years. She was most proud of helping local contestants advance from local contests to more competitive events. A highlight was her success in helping two women advance to the national pageant in Atlantic City with one of them becoming a top ten finalist.

After closing the restaurant in Gaithersburg, Penny and Tony moved to Leisure World in Silver Spring, MD where they were looking forward to enjoying their retirement years. Unfortunately, Penny endured two of her most tragic losses beginning shortly after moving in. First, Tony passed away from a heart attack on June 6, 2004. Ten years later, Penny endured the devastating loss of her daughter Lainie. With the devoted support from her son Ernie, her wide circle of friends and loved ones, and her undying spirit, Penny survived these difficult times.

She amazed so many of us with her ability to keep going and would never miss a family gathering or milestone. Even as Penny advanced into her later years and as her mobility became limited, she continued to find joy in seeing her friends and family, especially with her grandchildren and great children.

Penny is survived by her son Ernest Anthony Manuel, her grandson Tanner Bain (Alanya), her great grandchildren Caleb, Lucas, and Edwin (step), her granddaughter Zoey Bain, and many nieces and nephews.