Suellen Teresa (Healy) Manning, a woman of remarkable grace, intellect, and compassion, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication that touched the lives of countless individuals. She was born on November 15, 1942, in New York, NY and passed away on April 18, 2026, in her beloved home in St. Louis, Missouri.

Suellen's life was defined first and foremost by her devotion to her family. After graduating from the distinguished Hunter College High School in New York City at an impressive young age, Suellen went on to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she met the love of her life, Robert E. Manning. Their love story, which would span more than 63 years of marriage, began among the halls of one of the world's great institutions of learning - a fitting setting for two exceptional minds. Suellen went on to further distinguish herself academically, earning a master's degree in economics from Columbia University.

Together, Suellen and Robert raised a beloved family of six children: Robert Manning Jr., Julie Manning Boxley (Abney), Michael Manning (Monica), Kevin Manning, Daisy Manning, and Benjamin Manning. Michael Manning sadly preceded his mother in death. Suellen is further survived by her cherished grandchildren, Sam, Joe, Charlie, Sallie, and Buck Boxley; Bonnie Jean Manning; and Josephine and Thomas Manning, each of whom knew the warmth of her boundless love.

Suellen's early academic achievements were reflective of her brilliant mind and perpetual curiosity. Forever a student at heart, she was fascinated by virtually any topic - from economics to genetics, mathematics to literature, computer science to sociology. Always knowledgeable about current events, Suellen began every morning with a cup of coffee and the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and St. Louis Post Dispatch. Anyone who spoke to her walked away having learned something new and unexpected.

Beyond her family and academic excellence, Suellen dedicated herself to the wellbeing of others in ways that left a permanent mark on her community. For over a decade, she served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate in the St. Louis area, tirelessly championing the rights and futures of dozens of vulnerable children in the foster care system. Her commitment to these young lives reflected the depth of her character and the sincerity of her heart.

Suellen was equally passionate about the world of dogs - particularly her beloved Labrador Retrievers, which she bred and showed with great pride and expertise. In an act emblematic of her generous spirit, she donated many litters to service dog programs, ensuring that her dogs would go on to improve the lives of others just as she had always done.

A lover of the arts in all its forms, Suellen found beauty and joy in the fine arts, antiques, theater, and ballet. She brought that same sense of wonder and appreciation to everything she touched in life. Over the years, she made an indelible mark in the St. Louis auction community, with her effortless expertise and talkative nature making her legacy of the local auction world.

An avid gardener, Suellen had a deep and abiding love for the natural world that was reflected in everything she cultivated - both in her garden and in the lives of those around her. Her green thumb and patience for nurturing living things spoke to the same care and tenderness she extended to her family and community throughout her life.

Suellen Teresa Manning was, in every sense, a remarkable woman - a brilliant person, a devoted wife, an adoring mother and grandmother, a tireless advocate, and a cherished friend to all who knew her. She is gone, but the warmth and brilliance of her presence and the depth of her impact will endure in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to share in her extraordinary life.

A life well-lived is the greatest gift one can leave behind. Suellen's was that, and so much more.

In honor of Suellen's lifelong passion for education, the natural world, the arts, and the wellbeing of children, the family kindly requests that those wishing to pay tribute consider making a charitable donation in her memory to one of the following organizations: St. Louis Zoo - stlzoo.org/give, Missouri Botanical Garden - missouribotanicalgarden.org/donate or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - stjude.org.

As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.