Obituary of Theresa Madden

Mrs. Marie Frances "Theresa" Madden was born in Beaver River, NS on September 15, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Legere and Marie (Thibault) Comeau and the beloved wife of the late Thomas Madden who passed away last year.

The foundation of Theresa's existence was her faith in God and Our Blessed Mother; her family and anything that reminded her of her home in Nova Scotia. The sea and salt air, seafood and even nautical memorabilia. She greatly missed the sea all the years she lived in land. Her early years in Nova Scotia were full of pure moments of compassion and unconditional love as Theresa, her mother and siblings together cared for foster children.

She moved to Sussex to work as a hair dresser in 1952, where she met and married the love of her life, Thomas Madden with whom she would spend 63 beautiful years until his passing last year. Her love and compassion she learned from her parents carried over to her life in Sussex, where she cared for not only her husband and their seven children; but her elderly mother-in-law throughout a lengthy illness and later her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Theresa had an open door policy, even though she was not considered a social butterfly. People of all ages seemed to flock to Tommy and Theresa's house and their house was usually full of company. Whether it was advice, an ear to listen or just simply a little support, Theresa was the one to go to. She was a role model and supporter and always encouraging and giving advice.  She was the best cook, whether it was a simple home cooked meal for her family, minced meat pies or the traditional Acadian favorite "Rappie Pie".

Theresa will live on in the hearts of her six daughters: Yvonne Wheeler and Wayne, Mary Murray and Paul, Jeanette Lingley and Brent, Jackie Friars and Kevin, Denise Madden, Nicole Richardson and Dale; her son-in-law, Brad Simmons; her grandchildren: Thomas and Jenna Bateman, Liam Bateman and Jeszyka Clark, Lacey Shaw, Ailish Shaw, Katie Murray, Sam Murray, Ben Murray, Sarah Lingley, Erik Lingley, Adam Lingley, Rachel Friars, Kristopher Friars, Kathleen Morrell, Meghan Morrell, Anthony Morrell, Ava Richardson, Lucy Richardson and Jane Richardson; her great grandchildren: Abby, Zoey, Lily, Jonas, Ani, Jace and Paisley; her sisters: Genevieve McLaughlin and Camilla Parks and by her brother, Conrad Comeau and his wife Margaret; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The Matriarch, Foundation, Rock and Cornerstone of our family went to be with the Lord on October 20, 2017 at the age of 87, leaving behind a void filled with the sound of the sea.

Along with her husband, she is predeceased by her son, Frank Madden; her brothers: Larry and Victor Comeau and by her sister, Delvina Russell.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) where visitation will be held on Tuesday from 6-8pm.

A service celebrating Theresa's life will be held from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 10:00am. 

If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended the EWTN - Global Catholic Television Network.

A Special thank you to Fr. Dan Bastarache; her homecare worker, Leona MacKay; Emergency Nurse, Bonnie Tabor and all the caring staff of Sussex Health Center.