Margaret (Mansley) Kranich

SHREWSBURY - Margaret M. Kranich died on April 6th after a long illness, two weeks after celebrating her 97th birthday with her family. She lived at Southgate in Shrewsbury since the death of her husband, Dr. Wilmer L. Kranich in 1992, and previously lived in Worcester since their marriage in 1950.

She leaves her children, Laurence Kranich of Roslindale, Deborah Sleith and husband Rodney of Worcester, and Gary Kranich and wife Joan of Sterling, as well as 3 grandsons: Ian Riel, Jeremy Kranich and wife Alicia, and Tanner Kranich and wife Colleen, along with 2 great- grandchildren, Sawyer, and Simon Kranich. Margaret was born in Philadelphia, the daughter of Walter and Elsie Mansley, and sister to Edward and Clifford Mansley (deceased), and Richard Mansley.

Margaret graduated with honors from West Chester State College in Pennsylvania, and earned a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, then began a teaching career cut short after she moved to Massachusetts in 1950, as married women could not then teach in public schools. An accomplished portrait artist, she studied at the School of the Worcester Art Museum for 6 years. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Worcester for 72 years where among many activities she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. At Southgate she was known for the musical shows she created, classes in Yoga, and Bible studies.

A memorial service will be announced at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made specifying the “WPI Kranich Prize” at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Rd., Worcester MA 01609. Further information is available at www.milesfuneralhome.com .