Margaret Ann Mannino

Following a courageous battle with glioblastoma, Margaret Garafola Mannino, a native of Independence, LA, passed away on September 26, 2023, at the age of 85.

Margaret was a long-time resident of Baton Rouge and a treasured wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. Born January 23, 1938, Margaret spent her childhood picking strawberries on her family’s farm in Independence and, after graduating as valedictorian of her high school class and marrying her high school sweetheart, moved to Baton Rouge, where she fulfilled her dream of raising a family.

Margaret was the quintessential matriarch. Indeed, nothing made Margaret happier than when she was with her family. While she meticulously kept the books for the family’s grocery business, Greenville Grocery, and later for Vernon’s Hardware, her evenings and weekends were spent hosting or attending family gatherings; playing Pokeno with her friends or cards with her children, grandchildren, and their spouses; and baking her famous Italian cookies for every birthday, shower, wedding, and holiday celebration that she attended.

The most important part of Margaret’s life was her faith. Margaret was a devout Catholic who dedicated her time to St. Louis King of France Catholic Church and, more recently, to St. Patrick Catholic Church, where she served as a leader of the Knights of Columbus Ladies’ Auxiliary, Monday Collection Counter, and Eucharistic minister. Margaret also enjoyed volunteering with Bishop Ott Men’s Shelter, making funnel cakes at the annual Church fair, and assisting at St. Joseph’s Day Altars throughout the Diocese.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Mary Garafola, and her daughter-in-law, Deborah Mannino. Those left to honor and cherish her memory include her devoted husband of 67 years, Joseph “Joe” Mannino; her five beloved children: Sandra Mannino Fenn (Carl), Tommy Mannino (Sharon), Ronald Mannino, Ramona Mannino Fontenot (Wade), and JoAnn Mannino LaCombe (Brad); her 12 grandchildren: Michelle Newman (Will), Kristen Broussard (Lance), Courtney Giglia (Matt), Joshua Mannino (Cody), Justin Mannino (Katie), Devin LaCombe, Jeremy Mannino (Meagan), Brooke Fenn, Caleb LaCombe, Seth LaCombe, Taylor Fontenot, and Noah Fontenot; her 19 great-grandchildren, with 3 more on the way.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a rosary to begin at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 12424 Brogdon Ln., Baton Rouge, LA 70816, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Pallbearers will be Joshua Mannino, Jeremy Mannino, Caleb LaCombe, Seth LaCombe, Taylor Fontenot, and Noah Fontenot; Cross-bearer and Eulogist will be Justin Mannino. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Foundation in Margaret’s honor.