Madeline (Gemmel) Maffeo went home to the Lord after living with cancer since last summer. She passed away on Friday, February 26, 2010, at age 79 at the Timothy Daniel’s House in Holliston, MA. Many close family members and friends had been by her side, comforting her for several days prior to her passing.
Raised in West Roxbury, MA, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Anna (Collins) Gemmel, the sister of the late Paul Gemmel and is survived by her sister, Virginia (Gemmel) Wenzel of Medway, MA.
Madeline graduated from Roslindale High School in 1948, where she was a cheerleader for the football team, participated in many activities and made several friends with whom she remained close throughout her life. From a young age she had a zest for life and a contagious positive attitude.
Madeline was married to her former husband, Joseph Maffeo, for over 30 years. They lived in Peabody, MA for 19 years where they raised their four children: Steve, Bob, Kathy and John. She was an active member of St. John’s Parish in Peabody, and made many friends and enjoyed lots of fun times with extended family and friends during these years. She worked at Filenes for a number of years and also became an active member of several Prayer Groups where she inspired new friends who shared similar spiritual beliefs. Not one to let age slow her down, Madeline took up tennis, skiing and modeling in her late 40s, and enjoyed them all.
After raising her family, Madeline established a fresh start by moving to Monterey, CA and worked in Carmel, CA. During her time in California, she made several trips back to MA to visit family and friends. Likewise, many family and friends took the opportunity to visit her in California. She loved the free spirit and open minded attitudes of people on the West Coast, and made several new and close friends who she inspired greatly with her faith and positive energy. Madeline has remained close to many of these friends, even after moving back to MA and settling in Hyannis. She was always drawn to live by the ocean as she loved its peaceful tranquility.
During her years in Hyannis, Madeline worked at the Puritan Clothing Store, where she continued to share her love of fashion by helping her many customers. She took pride in providing great and personalized customer service, and established friendships with some customers even outside of work. Also, during these years, she was able to spend more time with her family and friends.
Madeline leaves behind son, Stephen Maffeo and his wife, Barbara of Medway, MA; daughter, Kathy Blevins and her husband, Michael of Upper Arlington, OH; and son, John Maffeo and his wife, Linda of Windham, NH. She is also survived by her former husband, Joseph Maffeo and a large extended family, including 8 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Robert Maffeo.
* Visiting hours will be on Friday, March 5th from 5-8 at the Ginley – Crowley Funeral Home in Medway, MA.
* A memorial mass will be held Saturday, March 6th at 10 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, 151 Village St., Medway. A reception will follow at St. Joseph’s Center, 155 Holliston Street, Medway, MA.
* The burial will be held on Monday March 8th at the Puritan Lawn Cemetery in Peabody, MA. at 11AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 9 Riverside Rd., Weston, MA 02493.