Melani Manuel

Melani Manuel

December 21, 1932 — December 26, 2025

Melani Manuel, a beloved mother, grandmother, and the heart of her family, passed away peacefully at home on December 26, 2025, just days after celebrating her 93rd birthday. She was born on December 21, 1932, in Psevdas, Cyprus, the daughter of the late Eleni and Kostas Christoforou.

Melani lived in Cyprus until the age of 13, when she moved to London, England. She was educated at a boarding school in North Wales. She later married the late Fred Manuel in London in 1954; he was an Air Force veteran. As a military wife for 20 years, Melani supported Fred’s service to his country while raising their family, traveling extensively, and living in various places around the world. In 1971, they settled in Kingston, New York, where she built a permanent home filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. Melani was deeply proud of her Greek heritage and held a lifelong love for Cyprus and England, the places that shaped her and remained close to her heart.

A devoted mother of nine children, Melani lived for her family. She was a guiding force, a constant source of comfort, and the foundation on which generations were built. Two of her children, Michael and Billy, predeceased her.

Melani is survived by her children: Elizabeth Brown (Clint), Andrikos (Rose), Greg, Helen Gedney (Ron), Klitos (Alenjandra), Christos (Nina), and Melani Taylor (Gary).

Her legacy lives on through 41 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren across five generations, each a reflection of the love she gave so freely.

Melani truly loved life. She found joy in everyday moments, strength in family bonds, and happiness in being surrounded by those she loved. Her infectious laughter brought smiles to everyone who knew her, and she was not only a mother but a friend to many—deeply loved for her kindness, generosity, and all the ways she helped others. Her home was a place of warmth, her presence a source of reassurance, and her love unconditional. Her home was always open—its doors welcoming family, friends, and anyone in need, a true reflection of her generous spirit and welcoming nature.

While we will deeply miss Melani, we are grateful for the love, laughter, and memories she gave us—a celebration of a remarkable woman whose life was rich in love and whose legacy will live on through her family for generations to come.

Melani Manuel was truly one of a kind and will always be remembered for her strength, grace, laughter, love of life, and the family she created and loved.

Visitation: Friday, January 2, 2025, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston, NY 12401 

Funeral Service: Saturday, January 3, 2025, 11:00 AM at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 294 Greenkill Ave., Kingston, NY 12401 

Burial: Wiltwyck Cemetery, Kingston

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Melani Manuel to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, or online at www.alz.org.

A tribute for Melani can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com , where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for her family.