Mary was the oldest of the seven Manning siblings and an accomplished swimmer. She worked as a lifeguard at the Marriott in Farmington and the Dennis Malone Aquatic Center in Bristol, and she served as swim team coach for the recreation team in Plainville. She was often seen performing her expert duties as a Connecticut Swim Team Official at high school swim meets. 

A remarkable individual, Mary was always there to help others, to teach young swimmers the love of the sport, and offer words of encouragement. She will be missed by all who knew her, but her memory and the memory of her parents will live on in the youth who will benefit from the grants awarded from this fund.