Obituary of Jane Manion

Diagnosed with cancer in April, 2010, Jane continued to live each moment to the fullest. She was grateful to have had so much extra time to enjoy her family and friends. The feelings were mutual. Not afraid of death, Jane comforted her loved ones to the very last moment. She is survived by her loving husband, Mark Manion of Wisconsin Rapids, her three children: Rebecca (Paolo) DiDonna of Novato, CA; Scott (Noreen) Tesolin of Sacramento, CA and their son, Ryan; and Elizabeth (Chris) Hamilton of Del Mar, CA; as well as her brother Chuck (Audrey) Duerner of Modesto, CA; sister Cecile (Daniel) Benz of Morgan Hill, CA; and her sister Helen Arvidson of Santa Cruz, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Theresa Duerner, and her two previous husbands, Robert Tesolin and Richard Hughes. Born in San Francisco and raised in Morgan Hill, CA, after college she taught elementary school while raising her young family. Jane was living in Santa Barbara, CA, when she met her soul-mate, Mark Manion of San Luis Obispo, CA in 2000. Theirs was a magical relationship, two best friends who thoroughly enjoyed their life together. As an uprooted Californian who came to Wisconsin Rapids with her husband, Mark, to care for his beloved father, Nor Manion, Jane quickly formed a unique bond with her new father-in-law and good- naturedly jumped into her newly transplanted life in the Midwest. During this time she enjoyed managing the downtown Book World, and was an enthusiastic member of several women?s groups including: The Travel Class, The Wisconsin River Garden Club and two book clubs, The Rapid Readers and Savannah Society. While a California girl at heart, she radiated warm sunshine and love everywhere to all who knew her. Jane?s too short life was filled with her spirit of loving passion, humor, adventure, laughter with her many friends, special travels and making memories with loved ones, and an amazing capacity to empathize and care for others. She deeply touched the lives of countless people, but particularly during her last two years of life when she rallied against her illness. Her positive attitude and radiant smile, even during her darkest times, inspired and brought comfort to her family, friends, and caregivers alike. Sharing in Jane?s life was considered a special gift by many who knew her. We are convinced that she will always be with us as we try to honor her legacy of love. Appreciation for Jane?s miraculous extension of life is due, in large part, to the very special care given to her by the Riverview Hospital?s nursing staff, and Drs: Joseph Garde, Dan Lucas, Marjorie Miller, Mercedes DeLas Alas, and the Hospital Chaplain, Tom Duncan. The family will be forever grateful to Dr. Ronnie Kirschling and the many professional ?angels? at the Riverview Cancer Center. More than just loving caregivers, they became family for Jane and Mark. A debt of gratitude is owed to Ministry Home Care and Hospice Services, who provided love and comfort when it was most needed. To Stephanie, Amy and Cindy, God bless all of you! At Jane?s request, a gathering of family and close friends will be held at home, at an undetermined date as a celebration of her life. ?Walking on the beach traded for walking in the woods along a river; drifts of fog traded for drifts of snow; sadness traded for a sweet and enduring love and a lovely little town with a huge heart?Life is good.? Love, Jane Memorials may be designated to: Riverview Cancer Center, 410 Dewey Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494; Ministry Home Care Hospice, 303 W. Upham Suite 200, Marshfield, WI 54449; or South Wood County Humane Society, 3621 64th Street No., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494. Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.