Cristina Mankey

Cristina was born October 26, 1921, in the southern Italian village of Statigliano, CE.  During WWII she became acquainted with an American GI, Robert Mankey, who was stationed near her home.  Following the war she immigrated to the United States and was admitted through Ellis Island.  Cristina married Robert in 1947.  The couple settled on his farm near Garden City and raised their daughter Mary.  They farmed, gardened, operated a restaurant for a short time, and hosted many hunters over the years.

Robert and Cristina retired from farm life in 1982 and moved to Watertown.  After Robert suffered a stroke later in life, Cristina cared for him in their home for several years until his death in 1997.

Cristina enjoyed sewing, cooking, baking, working in her large garden, and sharing the fruits of her labors.  Her several hobbies included Norwegian rosemaling and hardanger, painting, reading, and crafts.  Most fulfilling to Cristina were her strong connections with family and friends, both young and old.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter, Mary Haggar; grandchildren Tom Haggar, Katie (Brooks) Cory, and David Haggar; great grandchildren Laila and Drew Cory; and one sister-in-law in Italy, Ileana Cunti.  She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and special friends, including the Fishman family (Brad and Karen, Jacly, Bren, and Ellie), Dan and Betsy Koch, and Teresa Eilers.

Cristina was preceded in death by her parents, Pasquale Cunti and Antonietta Pascale; her sisters Maria Landekil, Minuzza Cunti, Antonia Lombardi, and Gina Natale; and her brother Sebastiano Cunti.

Memorials may be directed to Prairie lakes Hospice, Watertown Area Special Olympics, or Holy Name Catholic Church.

The Furness Funeral Home of Clark is serving the family where there is an on-line registry at www.furnessfuneralhome.com