Obituary of Genevieve Mary Madden

GENEVIEVE MARY MADDEN (née Mulrooney) With gratitude for the gift of her life, the family of Genevieve Mary Madden announce her death on Monday, January 25, 2021 at University Hospital in London, Ontario, at the age of 91. She was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Irene (née Hickey), her sisters Cecilia, Florence and Irene, her brothers Kevin and Jerome, her precious daughter, Elizabeth, and her dear grandson, Lukas (Sheryl). Beloved mother to Susan, David (Dorothy), Robert, Frank, Linda, Barbara, Patricia (Bernie), Michael (Ralph), Patrick and Genevieve. Lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Meghann (Derek), Brianne (Andrew), Krista (Mark), Jason (Natalie), Kyle (Jennica), Steven (Katie), Amanda (Mike), Carrie, Ryan, Jacob (Charlotte), Daniel, Matthew (Cheryl), and Michael (Megan); as well as sixteen great-grandchildren, twelve great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Genevieve was born on July 20, 1929 in Grand Falls/Windsor, Newfoundland. She began working at the age of fourteen as a maid and then moved to Nova Scotia to work in a fish plant before settling into her role as a mother and housewife. She then lived in Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, London, Goderich and returned to London to “retire” at the Chartwell Residence. Genevieve worked as a floral assistant, cashier, restaurant manager, business owner, caregiver, exercise instructor and cook. She was a dedicated member of the Catholic Women's League for over seventy years and a faithful parishioner at each local Catholic parish. Genevieve volunteered with the Brownies (Girl Guides of Canada), numerous charities, service organizations, the Liberal Party, seniors groups, nursing homes and the Blythe Festival. She played an instrumental role in the settlement and support of the last Vietnamese Refugee Crisis family to be accepted into Canada. She was a dedicated member of the Ladies Hospital Auxiliary. Her commitment was recognized by the Town of Goderich in 2006 with the “Volunteer of the Year” service award, and in 2012 with the “First Lady of the Year” by the Goderich chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. She loved the outdoors, cross country skiing and curling. A lifelong, avid gardener, she was a member of the Horticultural Society and a founding member of the Goderich Green Thumbers. She was an active member of various local Little Theatre and choral groups, including the MacKay Choristers and St.Peter’s Church Choir. Genevieve was an accomplished seamstress, baker and “executive” chef. She delighted in hosting countless people in her home, especially through her sought after Bed&Breakfast, complete with home made scones and preserves. Genevieve enjoyed all opportunities for a celebration. She was outgoing, vivacious, at times mischievous, but always generous. Her abiding love of family and commitment to the ongoing work of building community wherever she was, remain a powerful and inspiring witness of faith, hope and love...and yes, love was the greatest of these for her. As the matriarch of a large and continually growing family and the friend of so many she will be sorely missed. A private celebration of Genevieve's life and funeral liturgy will take place at St. George’s Catholic Church in London on January 29. Interment and a memorial will take place at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Catholic Women’s League at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Goderich, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choosing. For those wishing to follower our mother’s Funeral Liturgy by livestream on Friday morning: Go directly to YOUTUBE and type in sgtvlondon which is the YouTube channel for St. George's Catholic Church OR You can go to the church's website www.stgeorgelondon.ca and choose the link that says "Watch Us Live.” PLEASE NOTE: The livestream will begin 5 min prior to 11AM