Ella Mantei

Ella Strange Mantei, born 9-13-24 in Mansfield, PA, died peacefully at home, after a brief illness, on 2-10-14. She was preceded in death by her parents, Esther Orvis and Frederick Strange, her husband of 36 years, Chet Mantei, her son, Alan Mantei and her son-in-law, Bob Fatherree.   She is survived by her sister, Rosalyn Fleming (Clarence), her children, Carol Mantei-Fatherree, Steven Mantei and wife, Terrie, Lorraine Mantei and husband, Richard Tuck, and daughter-in-law, Freda Mantei. Also left to cherish her memory are 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and other friends and family. Ella grew up in Elmira, NY and attended Cortland State Teacher’s College during World War II. Upon completing an accelerated degree program, she began her lifelong teaching career in Tioga Center, NY. While working there, she met the love of her life, Chet, and they married in 1946. A trip to Albuquerque in 1959, convinced the couple that New Mexico truly was the “Land of Enchantment” and they made the move, settling in Albuquerque, in the summer of 1960.   Ella was truly an amazing person who touched many lives, including thousands of children throughout her long teaching career in the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS). As a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church for 50 years, she volunteered in many capacities. Upon her retirement in 1983, she began volunteering at Presbyterian Hospital and loved working in the gift shop there.  Her dedication and hard working spirit took her back to the classroom as a substitute teacher years after her retirement. Ella was a fine example of a strong woman. She was a fabulous mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and a wonderful listener who always had something insightful to say. Everything she did, she did with grace and humility. She was an outstanding cook who traveled the world and lived life to the fullest.   She, and her wicked sense of humor, will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind. A celebration of her life will be held at her favorite picnic spot in the Sandia Mountains on July 12, 2014. A graveside ceremony, interring her ashes with Chet, at Tioga Cemetery, Owego NY, will be held in September 2014. Donations may be made in her memory to the charity of your choice or your local SPCA.