Lynda Vayle Mango

Vayle Mango, longtime resident of Northville, passed away June 1, 2025. She was born on November 5, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of Charles and Mary (Manning) Lorion. Vayle was united in marriage to Ken Mango on October 5, 1985; they spent 39 years lovingly devoted to one another.

Vayle was a graduate of North Farmington High School, Class of 1965. She continued her education at Western Michigan University before transferring to Eastern Michigan University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in World Art History and Education, along with her teaching certificate. Dedicated to lifelong learning, Vayle also pursued advanced studies and completed her master's degree and beyond in Elementary Education.

Vayle began her long and dedicated teaching career as a traveling art instructor with Westland Public Schools before finding her true calling with Northville Public Schools. She was an exceptional educator, cherished by her students and respected by her peers. Over the course of more than 30 years, she touched the lives of countless students while teaching Art, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th grade at Amerman, Moraine, the 6th grade Building, Cooke Middle School and Thornton Creek Elementary. Passionate about both education and advocacy, Vayle also served as a regional union representative for the Northville Education Association. She retired from Thorton Creek Elementary in 1999 as a beloved 2nd grade teacher. Even in retirement, Vayle’s love for teaching endured as she continued to support students as a tutor.

Vayle lived life to the fullest and was a woman of many talents and passions. She led an incredibly active lifestyle enriched by a wide range of interests. A gifted and accomplished photographer, her work was published in various formats, including two books and a newspaper series on the history of ducks. Her subjects often captured the beauty of wildflowers, wildlife, and people, some taken during her travels in Africa. Vayle had a deep appreciation for history and family heritage, spending countless hours researching genealogy and tracing her lineage, as well as that of loved ones, all the way back to the Mayflower. Financially savvy and entrepreneurial, she was a member of a stock club and successfully owned and managed several rental properties over the years. A lover of antiques, Vayle had an eye for unique and valuable pieces, thoughtfully curating her home with items that reflected her taste. She was also an avid and competitive bridge player, participating in a bridge club and even competing at the master’s level.

Vayle’s enthusiasm for life began early. In high school, she was a member of the swim team and worked as a lifeguard at the Farmington Swim Club. She also enjoyed ice skating at the Detroit Skating Club and spent cherished summers with her grandparents at Higgins Lake, soaking in the natural beauty of northern Michigan. As an adult, Vayle remained active and adventurous. She was a skilled skier, particularly in ballet skiing, and spent summers hiking in Breckenridge, Colorado, and winters skiing in Vail or relaxing in Naples, Florida. She also enjoyed golfing and sailing on the Great Lakes. A graceful and enthusiastic ballroom dancer, she and her husband took dance classes together and were always ready to impress with their elegant tango. Even in her later years, Vayle couldn’t resist moving to the rhythm of a good tune. Above all, Vayle was a devoted wife, loving stepmother, and cherished friend, her vibrant spirit, warmth, and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who had the joy of knowing her.

Vayle is survived by her loving husband, Ken Mango; her stepchildren, Tracey (Precy) Mango and Terri Mango; her grandchildren, William Lehman, Sabrina Mango, and Isabella Mango; her stepbrothers, Skip (Michelle) Weller and Rob (Lynette) Weller; and her brother-in-law, Ronald (Marjorie) Mango. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mary Vayle Lorion, her adored stepmother Loretta Lorion and her beloved grandparents, Clarence and Vayle Manning.

The Visitation will be held Friday, June 6, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until Noon with a Funeral Service at Noon at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. She will be laid to rest at North Farmington Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Alzheimer's Association, 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Southfield, MI 48033.