Shirley Benson Manning, age 86 of East Grand Rapids, passed away March 12, 2025. The daughter of Norwegian immigrants, Shirley was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1938 to Axel and Margaret Bensen. Shirley was crowned the first “Miss Norway of Greater NYC” in 1954, or as she liked to remind her daughters, Miss Norway of all the boroughs. Later on she was invited to speak at the 50th anniversary of the crowning and met the King and Queen of Norway. Shirley went on to graduate from Bay Ridge High School in 1956, and Albion College in 1960 with her bachelor’s degree in teaching. She met the future Dr. Lawrence Manning in college, and the two soulmates wed in 1961 in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York. After Larry served in the AirForce, the couple resided in Ann Arbor for a few years before settling permanently in East Grand Rapids in 1967, where they would continue to raise their children.
Shirley loved bringing her growing family back to New York City, especially at Christmas, attending Broadway musicals, The Nutcracker Ballet, and tea at The Plaza Hotel; sharing her passion for the city with her children. During her spare time Shirley was a member of the Mary Free Bed Guild, Blodgett Hospital Auxiliary, Kent Country Club, Collectors Club of Grand Rapids, and served at Mayflower Congregational Church. She also enjoyed golfing, skiing, hiking, and traveling. The Hawaiian Island of Kaua’i was a special place for Larry and Shirley; they traveled there every year for over 25 years and eventually became residents. Lake Louise in northern Michigan was another favorite place where Larry and Shirley spent much of their time at the family cottage.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Kenneth Bensen, Richard Bensen; father and mother-in-law, Rev. Leon and Dorothy Manning; brother-in-law, Kenneth Kessler. Shirley is survived by her adoring husband of 64 years, Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Manning; children, Jeffrey W. Manning (Monica Shah), Jill Manning Morrill (Brian), Kristen Manning Flanagan (Ned); grandchildren, Kyle Manning, Megan Morrill, Tyler Morrill, Michael Flanagan, Maggie Flanagan, Elle Flanagan; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Bensen, Phyllis Kessler; nieces and nephews, Steven Bensen (Cinny), Mark Bensen (Beth), Mark Kessler (Annelie), Peter Kessler (Marla), Jacquie Avery (Louie), Sarah Guzman and many adoring grand nieces and nephews.
Visitation with the family will be held from 1-4pm on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shirley’s memory can be made to the Endowment Fund at Lake Louise Christian Community.
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The Point at Poipu team sends their condolences to the Manning family. We have fond memories of Shirley and her time with us at the resort for many years. That beautiful smile was always present. Shirley would always stop in at housekeeping to see Donna and Laurie to say hi and see how they are doing. I will miss our yearly meetings setting up the next years reservation and catching up on life. We love you Shirley and will miss you. Larry, we send our aloha to you and the family, our deepest condolences during this difficult time we are thinking of you and the family!