Vintage Bun

Meet Darlene (aka Bun) McManus, the "woman behind the man". It's largely due to her dedication to Pat and his work that people all over the world will be laughing at McManus humor for generations to come.

She was our mom, but also Dad's bookkeeper, office manager, editor and laugh barometer, She was the first person he read his stories to and she wasn't an easy audience. If Mom laughed at his jokes, Dad knew they were actually funny. If she didn't, back to the typewriter he went.

Darlene Madge McManus (aka Bun)

High School Graduation Photo

This photograph was taken in 1980 for People Magazine.

Darlene had many interests and talents. She knew nearly every plant in the forest, could preserve any type of food, and was an excellent cook. She was a skilled potter and photographer and grew an organic garden that fed the family year round. She was also very well traveled and visited all seven continents during her lifetime. Her favorite was Antartica!

Our parents were a great team and shared a love story for the ages. We're convinced they still do.

At one point in the mid-2000s, Mom started keeping an online journal of her life with Dad. Below are some excerpts from her writings. More will be added over the upcoming months.

Bun on Being a Good Valentine, February 2009