Madelyn Howard
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Madelyn Victoria (Martinson) Howard, 90, of Brattleboro, Vermont, passed away peacefully at home on March 1, 2021, in the loving arms of her husband of almost 71 years after a long and courageous battle with vascular disease.
She was born on June 1, 1930 in Brattleboro Vermont, the daughter of Victor J. and Beatrice E. (Ring) Martinson.
Madelyn was baptized in the former Swedish Congregational Church in the historic Swedeville section of Brattleboro.
As a child, she lost both of her parents to tuberculosis and was raised by her aunt and uncle, Helen and Raymond Livingston. After attending a one room school house in Marlboro, she moved to Brattleboro, attended local schools and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School in 1948.
On June 25, 1950, Madelyn married Wendell Irving Howard at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. They raised 4 children in what was Wendell's childhood home. She was a loving mother and wife, providing the quintessential family life of the 50-60's with a focus on family, wonderful meals and holiday gatherings, beautifully sewn clothing and show tunes sung around the piano. As a parent she was generally unflappable and never quick to meddle, giving her children room for independence even after discovering them sliding from the top of the nearby barn roof. With the typical childhood challenges, occasional broken windows or minor explosions, her only responses were typically, "Well, what are you going to do about that?" or "You had better get that cleaned up before your father gets home." She welcomed the impromptu carnivals, creative performances and large groups of children playing in the yard and was a favorite "Kool-Aid Mom" and medic for skinned knees. Neighborhood children were welcomed in to play long after her own had grown.
Madelyn was a favorite "Mom" at Canal Street School where she was the first in-school librarian, an active volunteer and member of the PTA as well as a Cub and Girl Scout leader. Parents and children alike could count on her for her quick smile and "Zen-like" calm.
Madelyn was known for her quick wit and her Yankee pragmatism. She embodied hospitality to the core. Always ready with a warm greeting and a big smile, she remembered your last conversation, the name of your grandchildren or your latest worry. Not an overly demonstrative person, she provided authentic hospitality through service in the community, with a welcoming home, attentive care and tenderness.
Madelyn believed in showing up and giving back. She participated in many local community organizations including the Rebekah Lodge, the Women's Evening Club and the Reformer Christmas Stocking. A volunteer for many years at the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Madelyn worked in the Development Office but may be best remembered for her friendly smile and warm welcome at the gift shop and front desk. After her youngest started school, Madelyn worked for many years as an Office Assistant at Dr. Neumeister's Dental Office, later called
Dental Health. David called her one of his mentors and credited her with helping to create a healthy, supportive family environment that allowed the team to prosper and grow.
An active congregant of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Madelyn was the longest, but not the oldest member (as she was quick to remind us) at the time of her death. She participated in many activities including leadership, tag sales, suppers and the Alter guild. Here again, she practiced her strong faith through hospitality; often the first to welcome a visitor or newcomer, making a call, sending cards or dropping off a meal to someone in need.
Madelyn was an avid reader, who enjoyed current events (local and national), gardening, ballroom and square dancing, attending craft fairs, local music and theatrical performances and trips around New England. Many of us benefited from her surprise gifts of flower arrangements, baked goods or pies. Several of her grandchildren appreciated her recognition that they might not be getting enough sweets from their parents!
Her humble life was much appreciated and fully lived. She believed in always doing your best, moving on from adversity, staying out of the spotlight and laughing whenever possible. While reflecting on her 90th birthday and 70 years of marriage, Madelyn could not believe how quickly the time had passed and that there was still much to enjoy.
In addition to her husband Wendell, Madelyn is survived by her son Douglas Howard of Brattleboro, daughter Judith McBean (Alan) of Dummerston, son Gregory Howard (Donna) of Brattleboro and daughter-in-law Sandra Howard of Hinsdale,NH; grandchildren Joel Howard (Renee) of Hinsdale, Jessica Howard of Brattleboro, Marta McBean of Brattleboro and Ian McBean (Anna) of Greenfield MA; and great-grandchildren Gregory and Reese Howard of Hinsdale.
She was predeceased by her parents, sister Karthrun and eldest son Jeffrey.
The family would like to thank Drs. Amy and Greg Gadowski, Bayada Hospice, neighbors and the St. Michael's family for the compassionate care and support throughout her illness and final days.
All are welcome to a Service of Thanksgiving for Madelyn's life hosted by St. Micheal's Episcopal Church on Zoom on March 20 at 1pm. The Zoom Link can be found on St. Michael's website, www.stmichaelsvermont.org under eNews or by emailing [email protected] . A committal service will be held later this spring.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to St. Michael's Episcopal Church or a charity of your own choosing. To honor Madelyn's spirit of hospitality call someone who you haven't seen, welcome someone new into your home or workplace, drop a meal off to someone who is hurting or remember a friend with a card.
To share a memory or send condolences to Madelyn's family please visit www.atamaniuk.com.