MANLEY, Moira Jane (July 14, 1934 - October 11, 2024)
MANLEY, Peter Frederick (November 14, 1930 - October 19, 2024)
Whenever I am away from you,
The distance between us
a burdensome thing
(excerpt from an untitled poem by Christopher Poindexter)
It is with heartfelt love that we mark the passing of Peter and Moira Manley. Moira passed away peacefully at their residence with support from palliative care. Just a short week later, at home, Peter followed.
Moira Jane Manley (Misner) was born in Brighton, UK. She was the only child of Mildred Florence Misner and Lt.-Cmdr. Henry James Misner. She emigrated to Canada in 1946, where she spent the remainder of her life. She was a strong and independent woman - an accomplished teacher, artist, and gardener. She was a voracious reader and a passionate advocate for animals. Her tireless dedication to Friends of Abandoned Pets in Ottawa resulted in countless cats and kittens finding loving, forever homes. Moira’s practicality and intelligence were two of her strongest traits, surpassed only by her love for her “dear Peter” and their beloved cats, Rupert and Betsy.
Peter Frederick Manley was born to Frederick Percival Manley and Violet May Manley in the Isle of Wight, UK. At 18, Peter joined the military band and began his worldwide adventures as a musician and conductor. After finding his way to Ottawa and becoming a Canadian citizen at the age of 25, Peter eventually became a music teacher. He spent most of his 30-year career at Woodroffe High School, with a final stop at Glebe Collegiate Institute. When he retired, he continued to give back through his passion for music and conducted a variety of bands in and around Ottawa. Peter was an avid reader and historian who possessed an understated and clever sense of humour. He was a gifted storyteller and he always made time to enjoy a few pints with close friends.
After a chance meeting at the Montreal airport while awaiting different flights to the UK, Peter and Moira were married in an intimate ceremony on Christmas Eve of 1976. They enjoyed many adventures across Canada, through the United States, Bermuda, and Europe. Their life together was simple and unassuming; they felt most enriched by love, laughter, and the deep bonds of enduring friendships. The memories of their kindness and warmth will be a comfort to all of us who cared deeply about them.
Special thanks to the palliative team from Carefor and Champlain and to the front-line staff at Amica Westboro for their kindness and compassion. A private celebration of their lives will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of Abandoned Pets.