“Terri’s professional life was caring for the visually impaired, and she more than anyone else understood that visual impairment doesn’t mean that that person is less of a human being. Yet her life was ended by a man who was blind in a different way, blinded by prejudice…. We believe that had she lived, she would have forgiven this man. No question, she would have forgiven him. But for now, we remember Terri for her goodness. For Terri had the gift of seeing life quite clearly. She knew that while she was on earth, she was to lovingly serve the Lord, her family and others, including those who are, in any way, blind.” 

– Dr. Thomas Hastings, brother of Terri LaManno 

Terri worked for eight years as an occupational therapist at the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired. She spent seven of those years working with babies assigned to CCVI’s Infant Program and one year working with preschool age children at CCVI’s center-based school.

Terri’s son Gian, who volunteered for many years at CCVI, recalled, “One of my fondest memories of her is when I was able to volunteer at the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired. I cherish the moments I got to see her work with the children. Seeing how passionate she was helping others was one of her great attributes. Anytime I got I tried to sneak away to eat lunch with her in her office to tell her all the stories I had interacting with the children.”

Terri’s daughter Alissa remembers, “It amazed me how good she was at her job. I feel honored that I saw that. She was the best.” 

Teresa (Terri) was born February 4, 1961 in Kansas City, MO to Leonard R. and Betty C. Hastings. She attended St. Elizabeth Grade School, St. Teresa Academy, St. Luke’s School of Nursing, UMKC and received her master degree in Occupational Therapy from Rockhurst University. She was married to William “Jim” LaManno for 25 years and had three children, Jen Handler, Alissa Rose LaManno, and Gian LaManno.