Alanna Manning Tomasello, 82, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on May 15, 2025. A devoted mother, grandmother, and jazz singer, Alanna left an indelible mark on all who knew her with her warmth, style, and humor.
Born on February 9, 1943, Alanna was a resident of the Boston area until 2020, living for more than 60 years in Needham. She graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Watertown (class of 1961), where she developed her love for music and faith community. Alanna worked at Converse, Carter's, and Rix Dunnington before dedicating 30 years to her role in the accounting department at the JCC of Greater Boston. She simultaneously enjoyed a long career as a well-known singer in Boston's jazz scene, collaborating with many musicians who became her lifelong friends.
Alanna delighted in simple pleasures: planting flowers in her garden, finding inspiring ways to redecorate her home (often with a new blue and white dish), and trying new recipes. She lavished her attention on her two dogs, Ginger and Chloe. Unsurprisingly, she "woke everyday with a song in her heart."
Alanna was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Mary Manning, and her sister, Mary Elizabeth Rankin. She is survived by her sister, Florence Garner of Cape Cod, and her son, Greg Tomasello (Allyson), along with her three adored grandchildren: Julianna, Nicholas, and Michaela all of Raleigh, NC.
Visiting Hours for Alanna will take place on May 29th from 5-8 p.m. at Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 56 Washington St., Wellesley, MA. Her life will be celebrated with a Funeral Mass on May 30th at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 1382 Highland Ave., Needham, MA, followed by interment at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Natick, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to support local jazz initiatives.