As we move through this year, we pause to reflect on the life of a remarkable woman who was, until recently, a living landmark in our community. With both heavy hearts and profound gratitude, we honor the memory of Rose Adrianna (Sanders) Leigh-Manuell, Class of 1936, who passed peacefully on February 4, 2026, at the magnificent age of 107.

Rose’s journey, which began on December 31, 1918, was a testament to a century of resilience, grace, and deep-rooted connection to Sayville. With her passing, we celebrate a legacy that was truly unique: she was our oldest known Sayville High School alumnus, a cherished guardian of our town’s living history, and a beloved resident for over a century. She was our bridge to a bygone era, embodying the strength and spirit of the community she loved.

Think of the history she witnessed: graduating in 1936, she moved through nearly the entire 20th century and over a quarter of the 21st from her home here in Sayville. The memories she carried—from the sound of school bells in the old high school hallways to the changing vistas of our streets, shorelines, and her many dedicated years at the Fish Market—formed a priceless archive of our shared heritage.

To ensure that the vibrant tapestry of Rose’s life is preserved and celebrated, the Endless Waves historical archive will be creating a special commemorative profile dedicated to our oldest known alumna. We invite all who knew her—friends, neighbors, former coworkers, and fellow alumni—to share your memories, stories, and photographs.

Help us capture the full measure of her extraordinary life. Your anecdotes will help future generations understand the woman behind the milestone, the beloved neighbor, the diligent worker, and the proud alumna who watched a town evolve across a century.

Please send your remembrances to halgbrown@sayvillealumni.org with the subject line “Memories of Rose.”  We would love some photographs, too!

While we mourn her passing, we also raise a glass to a life magnificently lived. Thank you, Rose, for being our timeless inspiration and our enduring link to the past. Your chapter in Sayville’s story may have closed, but your memory will forever ripple through the endless waves of our community’s history.

Rose Adrianna Leigh-Manuell
December 31, 1918 ~ February 4, 2026 (age 107)

Services and Visitation provided by our friends at Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Homes; https://www.raynordandrea.com/obituary/Rose-Leigh-Manuell#obituary 

Visitation, Tuesday February 10, 2026 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Homes
245 Main St., West Sayville, NY 11796

Visitation, Tuesday February 10, 2026 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Homes
245 Main St., West Sayville, NY 11796

Chapel Service
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 10:30 AM
Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Homes
245 Main St., West Sayville, NY 11796