9/9/1929 – 12/21/2008
Long time Islander, Loris P. Mann, died peacefully in her home on Vashon, with family in attendance. Loris, the eldest of two children, was born in Topeka, Kansas, to Beatrice Gwendolyn Swords and Weldon Morgan Padgett Sr. She later moved to Houston, Texas where she attended Lamar High School and studied classical piano. A member of the Lamar Writer’s Club, she was honored in September 1947 when one of her poems was published in Seventeen Magazine.
After graduation she worked as a Musical Director for KPRC Radio and had her own weekly program, “Piano Reflections.” It was at KPRC that Loris first met Claud Mann, who had been enlisted to turn the pages on her sheet music while she played. Within three months they were engaged, marrying on September 18, 1948.
Claud’s broadcast career took them various places, from New York to the San Francisco Bay Area. While in New York, Loris studied privately with William Beller, a Julliard Piano Instructor. Later, during the tumultuous 1960’s they raised their three children in Berkeley, California. Claud worked for KTVU and Loris for Herrick Hospital where she was one of the founders of that hospital’s “Tele-Pet” program, where shut-ins received daily phone calls from volunteers to check on their well-being. Loris also published, edited and illustrated the Herrick newsletter.
In 1988 they retired to Vashon to be near family. Loris loved Vashon and enjoyed a variety of activities. She participated in book clubs, Drama Dock, Granny’s Attic, Pulse Committee and Friends of the Library. In 1990 the Vashon Library held a Celebration of the New Year, showcasing Island talent. Loris played piano and Claud read for the program. It was a good time in their lives and they enjoyed being with family and friends.
Sadly, as her health began to decline, activities were limited and eventually Loris became bedridden. Claud lovingly cared for her but in March 2008 Claud died. Loris followed him in December. They are survived by their children; Beatrice Mann, Claudea Gomez, Claud P. Mann III, their spouses; Bill Freese, Pete Gomez, Perla Batalla, grandchildren; Joe Skinner, Josh Skinner, John Claud Freese, Dan Gomez, Justine Freese, Eva Leona Batalla-Mann, and great grandsons Allen and Isaac Skinner.
A service will be held at noon on Sat., February 21, 2009 to celebrate the lives of both Loris and Claud Mann. Friends are invited to bring stories to share. We will meet at the Riley residence, 6927 SW Maury Park Rd.Please call 463-3177 or 463-9482 if you need directions. Please park on the road.
(paid obituary)
