IN MEMORIAM: Jean E. Manley, 92;

Artist, Sculptor, Doll Magazine Editor

ONEONTA – Jean Marion Eichenberger Manley, 92, of Oneonta, an artist, sculptor, graphic designer and, for a time, editor of Seeley’s Ceramics’ Doll Artisan magazine, died at home in her sleep, on June 29, 2019.

The daughter of Carl and Marion (King) Eichenberger of Rexford, Jean was born on March 30, 1927, in Schenectady. She graduated from Burnt Hills High School in Ballston Lake and attended Traphagen School of Fashion and Design in New York City.

As a graphic artist, she started in the ad layout department of the Schenectady Union Star, eventually becoming head of that department. This job was one of the joys of her career.  After managing the ad department of Denby’s Department Store in Troy, she moved to San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, William Manley, where they had a son on March 8, 1968, also named William Manley.

Shortly thereafter, the family relocated to Oneonta, where Jean eventually produced ads for merchants including Wilber Bank and Winan’s Men’s Store. This led to years of work with The Village Printer in Laurens and Seeley’s Ceramics in Oneonta, where she helped produce their Doll Artisan magazine.

Jean studied painting with John Watrous and Stanley Bate at the Schenectady Museum and sculpture with Robert Blood, after which she become a member of the Oak Room Artists in Schenectady.

Jean had a number of one-woman shows and exhibited in juried shows in Saratoga, San Antonio, Oneonta, Cooperstown and Utica. Her work is represented in the permanent collection of Central New York Artists at Munson Williams Proctor Institute in Utica.

After retirement she produced posters and banners for the Catskill Symphony Orchestra and Orpheus Theater as well as donating time as a literacy volunteer and helping at The Lord’s Table.

Jean was an active member of Oneonta’s Main Street Artists, a group that meets weekly and has produced hundreds of paintings, drawings and prints over their years of existence. Many of the members of this group became some of Jean’s closest friends.

Jean is survived by her son, William Manley and his wife, Sue Faux, of Boston; cousins, Ronald King (Marlene) and Richard King (Diane) of Schenectady, Irma Cleveland of Washington State, Pat Foti (husband of her cousin, the late Barbara Foti) and his family of Scotia; as well as numerous cousins in Montana and New Mexico.

Jean was predeceased by her ex-husband; parents; and several cousins from the Western U.S.
Donations may be made to CANO (Community Artists Network of Oneonta) and the Susquehanna SPCA.

A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.