Betty Cornman Manis passed away Oct. 24, 2018, at the age of 90. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, she graduated from Newcomb College with a degree in biology and worked as a researcher. Betty met her husband, Norman, when he visited the city on vacation and they were set up on a blind date. They married soon after and she moved to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where she embraced the city as her home.

Betty was actively involved in many charitable organizations, including Service League of Fond du Lac, where she served as president. She was also a lifetime member of Hadassah.

In 1973, Betty was awarded her instructor certification through Sivananda, becoming one of the very first yoga teachers in Wisconsin. Many people who developed lifelong practices had their first introduction to yoga from Betty. In 1983, Betty moved to the Orlando, Florida area, where she scaled back her general classes and focused more on using yoga to help individuals with geriatric issues.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norman A. Manis, to whom she was married for 64 years. She was also predeceased by her sisters—Tillye, Miriam, Rhea, Claire, Faye Helen and Faye Rose, and by her brother, Leon Cornman.

She is survived by her children: Stuart Manis of Longwood, Florida , Marc (Harriet) Manis of Winter Springs, Florida, and Julie (Bruce Kraus) Manis of New York City; as well as her sister, Gail (Karlman) Wasserman of Los Angeles. Betty is also sadly mourned by her many nieces, nephews and former yoga students.

A graveside service was held on Friday, Oct. 26, at Reinzi Cemetery, N6101 County Road K, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please give to The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center https://adrccares.org.