Debbie Ann Manley

Debbie Ann Manley, of Posen, Illinois, passed away on September 27, 2026, after a year’s long illness. She was 73. Born on August 6, 1953, in Blue Island, Illinois, Debbie lived a life defined by compassion, service, and deep care for the people around her.

Debbie devoted her life to nursing and education. She worked as a cardiac bedside nurse at Ingalls Hospital and also served as a registered nurse at Matson Urgent Care. Her commitment to the profession extended into the classroom as a nursing professor at Prairie State College, where she loved teaching her students and sharing the knowledge and experience she had gained through years of hands-on care. She also served as an EMT for fire calls, participated in emergency medical services and mobile intensive care, and gave many shots weekly, reflecting the steady, practical generosity that marked her life.

Education was an important part of Debbie’s journey. She attended St. Stanislaus in Posen, Illinois, and graduated from Bremen High School in Midlothian, Illinois. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois, and later her Master of Science in Nursing from Governor State University in University Park, Illinois. Her learning and dedication supported a career that touched countless lives.

Debbie’s service reached beyond her formal work. She was associated with the American National Red Cross Nursing Health Programs, Emergency Medical Services, and the Chicago Committee on Trauma of the American College of Surgeons. She was always helping friends and family, a reflection of the generous spirit that so many knew and loved. She was also Catholic, and her faith was part of the foundation of her life.

Outside of work, Debbie found joy in many simple and meaningful pleasures. She enjoyed traveling, planting flowers, attending concerts, collecting antiques, and shopping. She enjoyed donating to charities and took special pleasure in taking her nieces and nephews on vacations, creating memories they will continue to treasure. She also loved Hallmark movies, a small but cherished part of the warmth and comfort she brought into everyday life.

Debbie is survived by her siblings, Roberta Adams and her husband Dave Adams, Renee Ellis and her husband Jim Ellis, Bob Manley, and Mary Lou Lillie. She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews, Nicole Ellis, Eric Ellis, Kyle Adams, Chelsie Manley, Adam Lillie, and Chloe Lillie. With love, she is also remembered by Nikolina Ellis, Hayley Lillie, Lydia, Rose, and Brock. She will be missed dearly by her family, friends, former students, colleagues, and all who were blessed by her kindness, strength, and caring heart.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Addie-Zimny Funeral Home, 14522 South Western Avenue, Posen, Illinois 60469. A funeral service will be held that same evening from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Adduci-Zimny Funeral Home, 14522 S Western Ave, Posen, Illinois 60469.

Debbie Ann Manley will be remembered for a life of service, for the comfort she brought to others, and for the love she gave so freely to her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she cared for, taught, and uplifted.