Madeline D. (Tibbets) Denham, 76, of Rochester died January 21, 2004 at Tobey Hospital, surrounded by her family, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
She was the wife of the late Walter V. Denham, and daughter of the late Franklin C. and Lillian May (Benton)Tibbets.
Mrs. Denham was born in Middleboro and had lived in Rochester for most of her life.
She was formerly employed as a housekeeper for many years at private estates in Wareham and Marion until her retirement.
Mrs. Denham was a kind and gentle person who helped to keep the family together. She was quick to pass on her wisdom and knowledge and was eagerly willing to offer encouragement.
She participated in functions at the Annie Maxim House in Rochester.
Survivors include 2 sons, Walter Denham, Jr., and his wife Pamela, and Allen Denham, and his wife Tina, all of Rochester; 3 daughters, Dianne Fielding of Wareham, Gloria Scott, and her husband Skip, of Fairhaven, and Marjorie Rollins , and her companion Paul Padua, of Middleboro; a son-in-law, Leonard "Pete" Francoeur, Jr. of Rochester; 2 sisters, Arleen Benson of Rochester and Louise Sayles of Fort Myers, Fla.; a brother, Franklin Tibbets, Jr. of San Diego, California; 18 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends, including the Mittendorf and McFadden families.
She was the mother of the late Janice Francoeur, mother-in-law of the late Richard Fielding, and sister of the late Normand Tibbets, Harold Tibbets, Howard Tibbets, Albert Tibbets, Vincent Tibbets, Eva Willard, Lillian Anderson and Mildred Taylor.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Service in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, Saturday, January 24th at 11 AM.
Visiting hours Friday, January 23rd from 4-8 PM.
Interment Union Cemetery, Rochester.