Jeanne Mcmanus

"I assure you, as often as you do this for the least of my sisters and brothers, you do this for me." Matthew 25:40

Jeanne Marie Blanchard McManus was born September 8, 1934 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and died on October 4, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband, John McManus, and her step-children, Sharon McManus Elliott (Buford Timothy), Michael N. McManus (Angela); grandchildren, Shane Hebert Sr., Michael J. McManus, Alexandra McManus, Mason Bennett, Sarah McManus, Taylor McManus; great-grandchild, Shane Hebert Jr.; siblings, Hayden Blanchard Jr., Sister Sandra Blanchard CSJ, Ann Blanchard Deshotel (Roland), Reverend Donald Blanchard, Loretta Blanchard Cook (Billy); numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Hayden Thomas Blanchard, Sr., and Blanche Rodriguez Blanchard; siblings, Lawrence Blanchard, Gordon Blanchard, Sr.; step-children, Marianne McManus Bennett, Timothy McManus; grandson, Jason Miley.

Jeanne graduated from Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's Academy and joined the Congregation of St. Joseph as Sister Mary Malachi. She received a Bachelor's in Education from Loyola and taught at several schools in Louisiana. She and 3 other nuns went to the mountains of Panama for six years in the 1960's as missionaries. She founded a radio school for the indigenous poor in the tiny villages near the town of Santa Fe on the top of the Andes. This school is still active.

Jeanne was a friend and associate of Father Hector Gallego who was assassinated for helping the poor. After the nuns returned to the States, Jeanne taught in several schools including St. Thomas More and obtained a Masters degree in Sociology from LSU. After working with the poor in New Iberia, and after much prayer and discernment, Jeanne was granted permission to return to lay life. She then taught in several schools in Baton Rouge including Crestworth and McKinley Middle. She then met the love of her life, John McManus, and was married in 1987. Jeanne and John continued her mission work by establishing, with others, The Friends of Batahola which supports the Cultural Center of Batahola Norte in Nicaragua. They also worked with others to establish a Parish Partnership between St. Thomas More and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Churches. In her last years, Jeanne generously, lovingly, and bravely embraced her last mission in life to deal with the challenge of Alzheimer's.

Visitation will be at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA on Sunday, October 8th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and continue Monday, October 9th at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 15615 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA at 10 AM to 11:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated by her brother, Reverend Donald Blanchard.

A special thanks to all who helped care for Jeanne; Dorothy Barber, Joyce Henry, Ernestine Eubank, Martha Williams, Regina Veasey, and to all at St. Joseph Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Charley's Place (Alzheimer's Assoc.), 3772 North Blvd., BR, LA 70806; Friends of Batahola, PO. Box 36159, Cincinnati, OH 45236 (friendsofbatahola.org), or Friends of Cantera, 2021 Pollard Pkwy., BR, LA 70808 (friendsofcantera.org).

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Sunday, October 8, 2017
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
15615 Jefferson Hwy
Baton Rouge, LA  70817
Monday, October 9, 2017
10:30 am - 11:30 am

Service

Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
15615 Jefferson Hwy
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Monday, October 9, 2017
11:30 am

Cemetery

Resthaven Gardens of Memory
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816