Carlotita Mann, Active Palisadian

Carlotita Luisa Gonz’lez Mann, a longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away peacefully on January 8 from complications from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. She was 79 years old.   After returning from quality days at her beloved mountain home in Bridgeport, Tita spent her last days and hours surrounded by family, and in the loving care of friends from St. Matthew’s Church, local Sunrise Assisted Living staff, and Roze Room Hospice workers.   Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tita ventured to Massachusetts to attend Abbot Academy (now Andover), then Wheaton College, where she met Peter Mann, who was attending Dartmouth College. They were married in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1952, and returned to Peter’s hometown of Los Angeles, where Tita graduated from UCLA. They had five children, Melanie, Sarah, Christopher, Peter and William, and moved to Pacific Palisades in 1968.   Tita was actively involved in St. Matthew’s Church, serving on the Vestry, Altar Guild and other ministries. She volunteered her time at the Diocese of Los Angeles, Westlake School, St. Matthew’s School, Neighborhood Youth Association, and the J. Paul Getty Museum Docent Program. Tita was instrumental in developing scholarship programs for underprivileged children to attend St. Matthew’s Day Camp and Skylake Yosemite Camp, and was an advocate of the Hispanic community on the west side of Los Angeles.   In addition to running a household filled with kids, their friends and many pets, Tita’s favorite activities included horseback riding, gardening and collecting quilts, baskets, American antiques and Native American crafts.   Tita is survived by her husband, Peter; children Sarah Newman (husband Mike) of Pacific Palisades, Peter Mann (wife Pam) of the Palisades, and William Mann (wife Linda) of Malvern, Pennsylvania; and grandchildren Max, Dana, Christopher, Emily, Kevin, James, Alex and Thomas.   Services will be held on Sunday, January 30, at 2 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Church.   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tita’s name to the Parish of St. Matthew, 1031 Bienveneda Ave., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272, or to the charity of your choice.