Obituary of Alicia June Madden

Through tears of sorrow, the family of Alicia June Madden announce her passing on February 4, 2025, somewhat shy of her 96th Birthday and 74th Mother’s Day.

June was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend. She was a great Mother, Mother-in-law, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother.

June was predeceased by her beloved husband of 70 years, Frank Madden, as well as her cherished daughters, Adrienne and Susan.  She is survived by her devoted children, Joel & Sandy, Chris, Kathy & Jerry, Paul & Cheryl, Terry, in-laws Sandra, and Gary & fiancé Lynn.  Her legacy will live on through her adored grandchildren and great grandchildren, Robin & Gioacchino (Lorenzo, Sienna, Dominic, Teresa), Heather & Berris (Adriette, Amrynn, Alina, Aderissa), Harley, Jesse & Jessica (River, Ember), Lauren, Graham & Tamara (Alda, Toni), Chris & Maureen (Jadyn, Emma), Kelly, Matt & Freya (Ylfa), Paige, Erin, Joel & Amy, Sydney & Garrett (Miles), and Keara.  

June was one of the Madden family four J’s with sisters-in-law Judy, Joan, and Jackie. Sisters and friends, they will cherish the memories they made together.  June had two siblings and Frank had 12.  Aunt June will be missed by her numerous nieces and nephews.

Mum was one of the few still to be in touch with a friend from grade school, Julie (another J).  They shared adventures, CGIT meetings, and learned to swim at summer camp.  Julie and Mum reconnected through the Catholic Women's League as young women and maintained contact through the years with catchup chats and out for lunches.

Mum was a busy lady.  From the time she was a child, Mum was a joiner.  Often, she shared with us the ballet steps she learned as a child.  Steps and stories.

After high school, Mum started her nursing training at The Grace Hospital.  When she married Frank and started her family, those plans were put on hold.  As a young Mother with growing children, she volunteered as a Brown Owl and worked as an LPN.  

In 1968, she began her membership with the Christ the King Catholic Women's League.  Mum served as President for a term during her 50-year affiliation.  

Mum returned to The Grace to complete her nursing training.  As proud as she was on that stage in 1967 in her cap, whites, and sporting her RN pin, her husband and seven children were in the crowd beaming with pride for her.  Mum worked at The Municipal Hospital and in 1981, moved to Golden Links Lodge when it opened up.  A caring and dedicated professional, she once flagged down a snowmobiler on Cunnington in order to set up a ride to GLL to relieve those that had been working through a snowstorm.  When she could attend, Mum continued to enjoy the comradery of her GLL community at monthly luncheons.

Mum was a skilled water colourist.  A pastime picked up around retirement. She sought out instruction and one early teacher asked the class why they were doing this.  Mum stated she was curious to see if her children’s drawing, creativity, and artistic talents came from her.  Daughter Susan wrote in her Artist's Autobiography: "As a child, from my bedroom as I was falling asleep, I often heard the sound of my mother's scissors walking across the dining room table and was delighted to see the garments or doll clothes that appeared the next morning amidst Mum's doodles and portrait sketches on scraps of paper".  We can all picture Mum doodling while talking on the phone.

Mum was an avid learner and attended many art workshops.  She enjoyed her time painting with sister-in-law Joan and the Meadowood and Windsor Park art groups.  Many of her paintings are hanging in private collections and some adorn ceiling tiles in a few local health provider's facilities.   

Another of Mum’s favourite activities was travel. She enjoyed the planning and execution of many adventures. She loved road trips - Dad went along.  Visits to friends, relatives, and her children’s out of province residences brought lasting memories. She visited far afield locations, on her own or with Dad, siblings, in-laws, or her children.  England, Germany, Austria, Italy, and of course the USA among the many vacations. Hawaii and Mesa were favourite winter destinations.

While living the life in Mesa for 17 winters, Mum continued to paint and also delved into genealogy.  She explored the Sturney, Eaton, Marshall, Yarde, Dance, and Madden lines.

Mum and Dad found great comfort and companionship in their later years at the Lindenwood Villa and Terrace residences.  We, their family, especially want to thank the incredible aides, caregivers, staff, and neighbours who offered them so much kindness and support.  Thank you also to the staff at The Victoria Urgent Care and 4S for their generous and caring support of Mum and her family.

Now, her memory will guide us and keep us today and always.  Her warm adventurous spirit, her strength, unwavering love, and great smile will live on in the hearts of those that were lucky by birth, design, or happenstance to share some of her path.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Christ the King Parish, 847 St. Mary’s Road, Winnipeg, at 11:30 a.m.. Refreshments will be served downstairs in the hall after the service.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in June's name.

Treat yourself to a Wendy’s Chocolate Frosty.  It was her favourite.