Obituary of Edna Manassa

Edna Raya Manassa, age 97, died on January 7, 2026, at home surrounded by her devoted children.  She was born in Brooklyn, New York to Sarah Jacobs Raya and Raymond Raya. She was one of six children: Linda Ferraro, Eileen Giakas, Ernest Raya, Albert Raya and Eleanor Pearlman. She was predeceased by her loving husband George Manassa.

  She is survived by her three children, Karen Manassa-Walstein (Jeffrey), Jodie Centineo (Joseph), and George Manassa (Linda).  Her loving grandchildren are Nicole Keller (Michael), Kimberly DeAngelo (Jonathan), Jeffrey Walstein, Jessica LaStella (Vincent), Joseph Centineo (Amanda), Greg Manassa (Janice) and her daily phone buddy Georgie Manassa. She was blessed with five great grandchildren, Vincent LaStella, Carmine LaStella, Madison Manassa, Crew DeAngelo, Harper DeAngelo.

  Her children and grandchildren adored her. She made each one feel special in their own way.  She was the heart of the family, ensuring that every holiday table was filled with just the right amount of food and love. Deeply proud of her Lebanese heritage, she was a masterful Lebanese cook who lovingly passed on her treasured recipes and traditions to her children and daughter-in-law.

 Her roots were in Brooklyn; a place she loved living. Fifty-five years ago, when their apartment got tight, she put her foot down and George and Edna bought a house on Staten Island. It was a home she loved deeply and never wanted to leave.

 Edna held many jobs throughout her life, but she was most proud of her role as a realtor for two luxury apartment buildings on Shore Road in Brooklyn.  In her retirement years, she became the heart of the Friendship Club, organizing countless parties and trips. She carried that same enthusiasm into her time with her gym friends through Silver Sneakers. She loved the ladies’ weekly lunches which she attended as much as possible. She was also a devoted member of the Columbiettes in Brooklyn. The tailgate parties at the Giants Football game will miss her famous potato salad and clam chowder.  

 Edna cherished her trips to Atlantic City with her husband, George.  Her favorite game was the slot machine, but she also delighted in just people watching.  Edna and George loved traveling with friends, especially enjoying the many shows they attended at the PNC Arts Center.

Donations can be made in her name to: A Very Special Place or On Your Mark.

Funeral Departing from the Matthew Funeral Home on Monday 1/12 at 10:30 am.  A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Pity Church at 11:00 am.  Entombment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.  Family and Friends may visit Matthew Funeral Home on Sunday 1/11 from 1-5 PM.