Buffy Mann

Evelyn Mary (Buffy) Mann, aged 91, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026. She was born on August 18, 1934, in Listowel, Ontario, Canada, to the late Mary Jane Hamilton and Thomas Stone.

Experiencing childhood in rural Canada during the Great Depression and World War II, Buffy, her two brothers, and two sisters relied on each other and developed bonds that lasted their entire lives despite Buffy’s eventual emigration to the United States. The Stone children passed these resilient family values on to their own children.

In her early adulthood, Buffy envisioned pursuing a career in music education. She attended the Toronto Conservatory of Music and Stratford Teachers’ College. But plans changed when she accepted a summer position at Camp Chikopi on the shores of Ahmic Lake near Magnetawan, Ontario. Chikopi is an all-sports boys’ camp that was founded in 1920 by legendary swim coach Matt Mann II.

Buffy married the coach’s son, also named Matt, and also a swim coach, in 1955, and established their home together in Michigan. Buffy and Matt stayed involved with Chikopi and its sister camp, Ak-O-Mak, for another 20 years. With a keen business sense, Buffy administered the camps and managed the books while Matt directed the operations.

Together, Buffy and Matt raised five daughters who continue to carry on their parents’ legacy of commitment to family and community. For nearly two decades, the “Mann girls” were a visible (and audible!) part of the renowned St. Paul’s Episcopal Church youth choirs in Lansing, Michigan. An inspiration to her daughters, Buffy was active in the St. Paul’s adult choir and was a founding member of the Lange Choral Ensemble, which featured performances at St. Paul’s.

Buffy’s love of tennis helped diversify the Mann family’s athletic repertoire. She was very active in tennis leagues in Lansing and Melbourne Beach, Florida.

Music wasn’t Buffy’s only artistic passion. Her colorful flower garden was a living expression of peace and joy, and her watercolor paintings similarly expressed those feelings.

Buffy adored her grandchildren and supported them by being present. She provided emergency childcare service during numerous critical family events, and shared in countless music and dance recitals, sporting events, art exhibits, concerts, graduations, and weddings. Buffy’s inspiring passion for family and community will be missed by all.

Buffy is survived by her five daughters, Mary Lea Benson, Katie (Robert) Korroch, Polly (David) Middleton, and Peggy (Dennis) Fennema, and Maureen (Charlie Swieringa, Michael) Nauss and grandchildren Michelle (Jeff) Lippert, Kate (Chad Jewsbury) Korroch,

Molly (Mark Mangelsdorf) Korroch, Matthew Nauss, Abby Middleton, Fern Middleton, Carly (Sean Hughes) Middleton, Allie (Jeremy) Hoekstra, Silas (Blaire) Fennema, Samantha Fennema, great-grandchildren, Easton, Hazel, Lizzie, and Rayna and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Matt; her siblings, Dr. George Stone, Dr. Robert Stone, Margaret Austin, and Elizabeth Hathway; her grandson, Christopher Korroch; and her son-in-law, Ed Benson.

Buffy was a cherished mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, whose kindness and generosity touched all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 218 W. Ottawa St. Lansing, MI. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.