AUBURN — Geraldine F. Manley, 79, of Auburn, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 27, at her home following a brief illness with her loving family by her side. She was born in Lewiston on Oct. 31, 1937, a daughter of the late Gerald and Yvonne (Bell) Perron. She grew up in the Lewiston area and attended local schools there.

After high school, Geraldine met and married Edwin “Ted” Manley and they started a family together. They soon moved to Auburn where Geraldine would reside for 53 years. During that time she dedicated much of herself to raising her family and tending to their needs. She also worked at Tambrands in Auburn for over 30 years until her retirement.

Geraldine had many passions that she excelled at including her love of gardening. She kept the most beautiful botanical gardens and was known as the neighborhood “Guru” of gardening, always willing to offer her knowledge and help to her surrounding neighbors. She was a very dedicated and reliable neighbor and was said to have the “greenest of all thumbs.” Geraldine also enjoyed working on crossword puzzles, doing arts and crafts and reading. She will be deeply missed by many.

She is survived by her four children, Debra Sutkaitis and her husband, Chris of Vermont, Brenda Holman and her husband, Don of Auburn, Bruce Manley and his wife, Tina of North Yarmouth and Brian Manley and his fiancée, Crisanta of Westbrook. She also leaves behind a brother-in-law, Joseph Manley and his wife, Edith of Connecticut; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Daniel; a brother, Normand; and most recently her former spouse, Edwin “Ted” Manley.

Condolences may be shared with her family at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.

Geraldine F. Manley