Covid kills couple who played Santa Claus and Mrs Claus and orphans their only child

[Michael Rielly]

Covid kills couple who played Santa Claus and Mrs Claus and orphans their only child

METRO
Jimmy McCloskey
Thursday 10 Sep 2020

EXCERPT

A married couple known for playing Santa and Mrs Claus have left their 14 year-old daughter orphaned after both died of coronavirus just hours apart. Lora McManus, 59, and her husband David McManus, 64, were killed by Covid-19 in Pageland, North Carolina, on September 5.

Their deaths were announced earlier this week, with the couple survived by their only daughter Sara, who is 14. Lora and David adored the festive season, and would regularly dress up as Santa Claus and his wife for local events. They also loved taking Sara to the annual Christmas lights display in McAdenville, North Carolina – a town so festive it has been nicknamed ‘Christmas Town USA.’ Lora worked in public administration, while David was a wood pulper, with the couple married for 40 years at the time of their death.

Ashley Terrell, who worked with Lora, said the couple had longed for a child for years, and were utterly besotted with Sara after she arrived. A tribute from Ashley seen by the Charlotte Observer said: ‘Nothing brought Lora as much joy as her daughter.

 

Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2020/09/10/covid-kills-couple-who-played-santa-claus-and-mrs-claus-and-leaves-their-only-child-14-orphaned-13251991/?fbclid=IwAR2uGeSKkMZ9EqnpqGk4Gwt3K1jTjMtxPZyBJEB7fJzdGiT1efzwp8AWSpI?ito=cbshare

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SOURCE: https://metro.co.uk/2020/09/10/covid-kills-couple-who-played-santa-claus-and-mrs-claus-and-leaves-their-only-child-14-orphaned-13251991/

 

[Jeff Hillyard]

Absolutely heart breaking. I hope there is a strong support network surrounding their daughter.

[Santa Bill III]

Prayers for their daughter, my she remember all the good memories they shared.

[Black River Santa]

So very sad. Stay safe out there Santas!

[SCSanta]

Prayers for their daughter...

[Michael Rielly]

SC couple married 40 years died of COVID-19 on same day, leaving 14-year-old daughter

The Charlotte Observer
By Joe Marusak
September 10, 2020 01:20 PM

EXCERPT

A South Carolina couple who loved to play Santa and Mrs. Claus at events in their town died Sept. 5 of complications from COVID-19, leaving behind a 14-year-old daughter.

David and Lora McManus of Pageland were married 40 years.

Their deaths were announced on Tuesday by government officials in Union County, N.C., where Lora McManus, 59, worked in the Public Works customer service office for more than 20 years. David McManus, 64, was a pulp wood logger and trucker, according to his obituary.

The couple loved trips to the mountains and visiting two North Carolina traditions: the Christmas lights display in McAdenville, “Christmas Town USA,” and the Old Threshers’ Reunion in Denton, according to Ashley Terrell, who manages the Union County office where Lora McManus worked.

David McManus also liked cooking and watching cooking shows, while his wife enjoyed mystery movies and the Hallmark Channel, according to his obituary.

But Lora and David McManus most loved their daughter, Sara, Terrell wrote on the Union County government website.

“Nothing brought Lora as much joy as her daughter,” Terrell said. “Lora waited a long time to become a mother and she relished in every second of motherhood. She loved to talk about Sara and brag on how well Sara can sing.”

Lora McManus “was a believer in Jesus Christ and she lived her faith,” Terrell said. “Lora never had a negative word to say about anyone or anything. She found the positive in every situation.”

Terrell said Lora McManus was “selfless and giving” and had “an infectious laugh and sense of humor” that caught her co-workers off guard.

She also was “a historian of all things Public Works,” Terrell wrote. “Customers frequently asked for Lora. She just left an impression. She was dedicated, loyal, and will be sorely missed.”

SOURCE: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article245594800.html

 

[MagicalMrsClaus]

Dreadful

That poor child and what a loss to their community. 

[mach1marty]

So sad.  Most of us are unfortunately in the age danger range. 

[santaparker]

rip brother and sister in clause

[Grandpa Gus]

Rest with the Lord and may good Lord be with their daughter.

 

[Rob Thompson]

Such a sad sad story, one can only but imagine the double loss for their young daughter. I hope there are extended family surrounding the child at this time and of course in the future.

Prayers for the daughter and hoping she will be well cared for. God Bless

Tears