Marie Therese (Poginy) McManus peacefully departed from this life in the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2025, after a remarkable 95 years. She was born on November 10, 1929, in Newport Center, VT, to Edward and Arcelia Poginy. She was the youngest of six siblings and four additional children her parents fostered including Alfred, Rita, and, Albert LeMay and Louise Bernard, who she was very close to. Her formative years were spent on the family's farm on Poginy Hill Road in Newport Center, VT.

Marie was a dedicated student of Sacred Heart and she began working for her room and board at several local residences starting in the seventh grade until her graduation in 1950. Her passion for music was evident, and she often credited Sister Edmond as her most significant musical influence, regarding her as her favorite teacher and conductor. Under Sister Edmond's guidance, Marie participated in numerous musical endeavors that consistently achieved success in state competitions throughout her school years. She was an active member of the choir, played the cello in the school orchestra, and performed on the piano at various events throughout her life.

From a young age, Marie aspired to become a nurse, ultimately graduating as a Registered Nurse from the Fanny Allen School of Nursing in Colchester, VT. She devoted 48 years to nursing and held supervisory roles at several prestigious medical institutions along the East Coast, including Beth Israel, Massachusetts General Hospital, Connecticut Veterans Hospital, and various hospitals in Florida. Notably, she was a pioneering nurse present during some of the first kidney and heart transplants and she worked on the front lines as a polio nurse in the Iron Lung ward. Marie often proudly declared, "I am a gypsy nurse."

In 1963, she met Bernard McManus from Baltimore, Maryland, and they were united in marriage at St. Mary Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church in Newport, Vermont, on Columbus Day of that same year. Together they shared various interests including a passion for music and a love of the Catholic faith.

Marie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She is survived by her son Steven McManus, daughter Pauline Staples and her husband Tony Staples, and daughter Monique Stewart; grandchildren Ian, Rheanon, Rhomie, Kelby and her husband Jose, Rory, Lacie, Ashlyn, and Ryland; great-grandchildren Neveah, Nadea, Jamiee, and Josianna; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Marie was the youngest member of her family and the final one to walk with the Lord. Her departure to God's eternal Kingdom was preceded by her husband Bernard McManus in 1994, her parents Edward Poginy and Arcelia (Labonte) Poginy, and her siblings, Leon, Adelard, Beatrice, Oliver, and Reginald.

Friends and family may call from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Curtis Britch Funeral Home located at 37 Lake Road in Newport. A funeral Mass will be offered at 2:00 pm on the same day at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport. A committal service will take place in the Summer 2025. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.