Nancy Manning

Nancy Oeder Manning, 72, of Tampa, FL, passed away unexpectedly on December 2, 2024, while visiting family in Myrtle Beach, SC. Born in Summit, NJ on January 28, 1952, to the late Virginia (Branin) Oeder and Robert Oeder, Nancy lived a life defined by intelligence, creativity, resilience and deep devotion to her loved ones.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Hamilton Ronald (Ron) Manning, her two sons, Richard Buswell and Dennis Buswell, and her beloved grandchildren: Stephen, Joey, Brandon, Blake, Seth, Eric and Justin. She also leaves behind her brother, Rupert Harvey, and three sisters: Judith Rowe, Susan Mack and Irene Gutzler, with whom she shared countless memories, including their treasured “Towanda” trips. Nancy was predeceased by her brother Steven Oeder.

A woman of many talents, Nancy began her career as a piano tuner while dedicating herself to raising her family. Later, she exhibited extraordinary determination in returning to college as a single mom, earning her Bachelor’s degree from State University of New York and then a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Nancy’s intelligence and hard work led her to a fulfilling career in the Biology Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory, where she was Database Administrator for the Brookhaven Protein Database, an international repository of research on the molecular structure of proteins. It was at Brookhaven that she met Ron, her loving partner and husband, with whom she built a beautiful life.

In retirement, Nancy and Ron relocated to Tampa, FL, to spend more time with their grandchildren, who were a source of endless joy. Nancy became an integral part of her community, actively participating in the growth of the Carrollwood Cultural Center. In addition to helping create the Center’s former newsmagazine, Nancy served on a Board of Directors’ committee and played piano in the Center’s Jukebox Big Band. Her love of music—whether playing piano, listening to jazz or classical, or attending concerts—remained a cornerstone of her life.

Nancy had a zest for travel, enjoying extended adventures to destinations such as China, Israel and Italy alongside Ron. She was also an avid Disney fan, a lover of movies and someone who cherished time spent with family and friends. Whether on a trip with her sisters, sharing moments with her grandkids or connecting with her many friends, Nancy’s warmth and energy brought people together.

Nancy inspired deep affection in everyone who knew her. She will be remembered as a woman who faced life’s challenges with grace, who found joy in music, adventure and family, and who gave so much love to others. Her warmth, laughter and strength will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday Jan. 11 at Blount & Curry Funeral Home - Carrollwood located at 3207 W. Bearss AVe. Tampa, FL. 33618. Visitation begins at 3 pm with a service to begin at 3:30pm

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Metro Ministries in support of Tampa Bay area homeless communities (www.metromin.org) or to the Carrollwood Cultural Center (www.carrollwoodcenter.org).