Meta Manes

Meta Manes of Levittown, age 90, passed away quietly on Friday, August 23, with her family by her side.  She is now at peace with her husband Paul, who lovingly cared for her until his passing.

Although Meta worked outside the home at various times throughout her life, she was, first and foremost, a mother and homemaker. Meta was born and raised in Germany, and met her late husband, Paul, during his service there in World War II.  She came to the United States, learning English after she arrived, and built a life here with her new family. Meta’s first job in the U.S. was working at the J. Chein toy factory in her husband’s hometown of Burlington, N.J.  Throughout the following years, Meta worked as a waitress at Five Points Diner in Levittown, and dipped ice cream at the iconic Greenwood Dairies.  She capped her career by serving as a crossing guard, where she enjoyed greeting the school children each day. 

Meta and Paul were original Levittown homeowners, where they raised four children and were blessed to enjoy a long, quiet retirement with frequent visits from their children and grandchildren. Their time was spent meticulously caring for their home, as well as planning and cooking meals.  If one of the kids happened to stop by during a mealtime, there was always enough food to go around.  Meta will be remembered as a Mom who always put her children first, and made a home that was a haven of safety and comfort for her family.

Meta was preceded in death by her loving husband Paul, her grandson Michael Manes, great-grandson Jadon Clarke, and five siblings.  She will be greatly missed by her children Antoni (Betty), Brenda Barats (Wayne, deceased), Paula Coyle (Bill) and Paul (Andrea); grandchildren Traci Avrett, Kristi Clarke (Mike), Jami Barats, Matthew Manes (Naomi), Tim Coyle (Nicole), and Tori Manes; great-grandchildren Caetlin, Brianna, Connor, and Charlotte; brother Wilfried Diehl (Sue), sister-in-law Jean Manes, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call on Friday, September 6, from 11 am to noon at Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, 2443 Trenton Rd, Levittown, PA 19056.  A funeral Mass will follow at 12 noon. Interment will be in Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Meta’s memory may be made to Family Promise of Lower Bucks County, 1700 Woodbourne Road, Levittown, PA 19057 or www.fplb.org/financial-donations.  Family Promise helps local families get back on their feet and secure safe housing.