DURHAM – Corazon Clemente Manares, age 69, died Saturday, May 28, 2016 at home surrounded by her loving family. Corazon was born in Manila, Philippines to the late Alfred Mauricio Clemente and Feliza Pascual Clemente on August 12, 1946.
Cora Manares was a little girl from the Philippines who had big dreams when she grew up – go to the U.S. to become a recognized medical professional, marry the perfect man, and have a beautiful family. Cora’s goals started to become reality when she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Medical Technology from Centro Escolar University, Philippines, in June 1968. She was then hand selected by her professors to move to the U.S. to pursue her education. Some would say that she was lucky getting that chance, but it wasn’t luck, it was hard work, determination, and her dedication to learning that made her dreams come true.
She moved to NY after graduation to pursue her education, and received an award for Outstanding Student of the Year, United Hospital, in NY 1969. She happily married the love of her lifetime, Leonardo Albarillo Manares in Chicago in 1973. Throughout her impactful career, Corazon was recognized time and again for her excellence; CAP Inspector, Chicago 1978-1982; Presidential Award (Honorable Mention, Duke), 1995; Presidential Award (Top Performer, Duke) 1997; Presidential Award (Technical, Duke), 1999; Excellence Award for FVL (Pariticipate, Organon Teknika Corporation), 1999; Excellence Award for Antiphospholipid Antibody- INR/Different thromboplastins (Participate, Organon Teknika Corporation), 1999; 4x Outstanding Attendance at Duke.
Corazon is survived by her daughter, Melanie Manares; her son, Leonard Manares of Durham, and her son Michael Manares and wife, Amanda; and her grandchildren, Taylor Alise Manares, Aidan Manares, and Zen Manares all of Cary, NC.
A Mass of Christian burial will be offered 12:00 p.m. Thursday, June 2, 2016 at St. Matthew Catholic Church with Fr. Thanh Nguyen presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.A reception will be provided in the parish hall.
Friends may visit Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, 1113 W. Main St. in Durham.
Arrangements for the Manares family are under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online memorials: www.hallwynne.com.
Martha M.Bernardo
May 31, 2016 at 10:20 amOur deepest sympathy and prayers!Cora was a great person and friend! She will be missed!Rest in peace!
Sheila Parrish
May 31, 2016 at 12:29 pmMelanie, so sorry for your loss. Cora always kept me up to date on your Culinary career and was so proud of you. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Sheila
Dana & George Barcarse
May 31, 2016 at 12:45 pmTita Cora, may your soul rest in peace. you will be missed and Condolence to the whole family.
Dana & George Barcarse
May 31, 2016 at 12:47 pmTita Cora, May your soul rest in peace.You will be missed and condolence to the whole family.
Hollie Barrow
May 31, 2016 at 7:39 pmWhat a beautiful woman inside and out. My condolences go out to your family. May God bless you with strength and happiness knowing she is now happy with her husband and no longer in any discomfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Leah Lipman
May 31, 2016 at 7:42 pmMy Condolence to you and your family Leonard.You all are in my prayers and thoughts dear friend.
Spirit
May 31, 2016 at 8:01 pmPeace be with this mighty and beautiful Queen, I know her through her mighty son Leonard whom has been a steadfast friend since high school. We offer our deepest and sincerest of condolences to all the family, friends, and all beloved Manares adored.
Parampal Deol
May 31, 2016 at 8:36 pmI have known Cora for many years working in bioMerieux R&D. It is heartbreaking that we lost her.
We will always remember Cora as a hardworking, determined and an achiever. She has been an excellent person with positive attitude. She was a role model for young generation who will uplift the spirit of R&D group. She can show people how it is done, an extra ordinary fighter !
She spoiled us by feeding R&D really nice food :-)! Her legacy will live always in our hearts! We will truly miss her.
My deepest sympathies go out to the family. May God give Cora the comfort and she rest in peace!
Flecia Torain
May 31, 2016 at 8:58 pmMy condolences go out to your family. I pray that in time of sorrow you find joy that she not in pain. May God wrap your family and be at peace.
camillo fernandes
May 31, 2016 at 9:06 pmI had the privilege of working with Cora at the regional hospital, now the Duke Regional Hospital, and I have many fond memories. She was a good friend.
May her soul rest in peace.
Caroline Hyde
May 31, 2016 at 10:10 pmPrayers for you at this time L. It’s never easy loosing your only mother but just know please she’s not suffering anymore. She’s in heaven with angels looking down at you and smiling. You grieve in your way but just know u have a lot of family and friends that are here for you! Love ya Sweet C
Michelle
May 31, 2016 at 10:32 pmMelanie and family, I want to say that I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Your family is in my prayers as you get through this difficult time. May God bless you all.
Marsha Cholewinski
May 31, 2016 at 10:49 pmMelanie, Mike, Leonard, Taylor, so very sorry for your loss! You all must hang onto all the good memories that each of you have!!
Anita Matthews-Jenkins
May 31, 2016 at 11:41 pmSending prayers to your family.
Carlos De Jesús's family
May 31, 2016 at 11:47 pmAccept our belated message of love and comfort in this trying days after Cora’s passing.
May she rest in an everlasting world of peace. We will always remember her grace and sweetness, even in the worst of times.
Karen Grubbs
May 31, 2016 at 11:59 pmI am so sorry for the loss of your mom, she sounded like a very sweet and smart woman I am sorry I never got to meet her that I recall.You guys will be in my thoughts and prayers if there is anything I can do for you just let me know .Heaven has a special Angel .♡♡♡♡♡
Phyllis Wise
June 1, 2016 at 1:18 amSorry for your loss , praying for you and your family..
Jane Looney
June 1, 2016 at 1:52 amI was saddened to hear about Cora’s passing. We worked together at Duke in the Coagulation Department. She was a great teacher and role model to Medical Technologists such as myself. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. I will light a candle in Cora’s memory at my Church this weekend.
Desiree Zaballero
June 1, 2016 at 3:11 amLeonard and I were a part of three Filipino families that lived in American Village, the affluent neighborhood it is now. Tita Cora worked for that American Dream, the loving husband, three kids, and the white pickett fence. She, like many Filipinas, worked hard, sent money back home and managed to raise three children. Filipino and Food go hand in hand when you speak of our culture. Tita Cora managed to have a small catering business as we would would order food from her.
Leonard, Melanie, and Michael, I am so sorry for your loss. Regretfully, my family and I are out of town and will not be able to attend the wake/funeral. I will be praying for your family that you will have comfort knowing she is with your Dad. God’s blessings and His Peace.
– Desiree Zaballero
Debbie Helms
June 1, 2016 at 8:56 amI was sorry to hear of Cora’s passing. She will be greatly missed. I enjoyed working with her at Biomerieux, Inc. She is greatly missed. I am sorry for your loss.
Barb Fouse
June 1, 2016 at 9:05 pmI would like to share my deepest sympathy to Cora’s family. She has been a long time friend to me for the past 30 years as we worked in three different hospital labs together. She has always been generous and kind to all. I will miss her.
Katie Morton
June 2, 2016 at 9:36 pmYour mother was an outstanding woman, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Remember what she stood for and know she will always be looking over you. My deepest sympathy
Katie Morton