Madeline
Olive
Haddad
September 3, 1922 - February 20, 2020
Madeline Olive Haddad, 97, beloved wife of the late George, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2020.
Madeline was a kind, adventurous spirit who enjoyed helping others, entertaining, cooking, gardening, and giving back to her community. Whether it was sharing her fashion expertise at the annual rummage sale at First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, recruiting and serving as President for the neighborhood Mobile Watch with her husband, putting time and energy into projects with the Franklin Historic Society, or simply making pancakes with the Boy Scouts for the local firemen’s fundraiser, Madeline was always giving of herself. The community acknowledged her leadership by making her Grand Marshall of their Labor Day parade, twice!
She was born on September 3, 1922 to the late Grover and Olive Serenbetz. Her family lived in Long Island, New York, and Florida, before returning to Michigan. She graduated from Flint Northern High School and furthered her education attending Flint GMI as one of their first woman enrollees. She used that education in her work as an executive secretary in an auto-related business for several decades. She was a life-long learner, always forward-looking and curious.
In her youth, she was an avid baseball player, following a long family tradition. She was patriotic, from selling bonds during World War II to making sure she voted in every election. She had a keen sense of fashion and style, and an eye for design, including an interest in architecture. Had she grown up in a different era, she would have probably pursued that field. An avid boater as well, Madeline had Coast Guard certification and enjoyed time on the water. One of her many avocational pursuits was oil painting, and several of her pictures grace her home. Madeline also enjoyed traveling, with one of her favorite trips the time she spent in Hawaii.
Those who knew her from afar saw her energy, style and efficiency. Those who knew her more personally will remember Madeline as a dear sweet person who touched many lives, and she will be greatly missed by all who crossed her path.
Loving mother of Marcia Tanner (Bruce). Step-mother of Cindy Campbell (Mark) and Robert Haddad (Dana). Proud grandmother of Rebekah, Samantha, and Stephen. Dear sister of Grover Serenbetz (late Catherine), George Serenbetz (Joyce), and Maybelle Fraser (late Donald).
Family will receive friends on Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 10:00AM until the time of funeral at 1:00PM at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel) 32515 Woodward Ave (between 13-14 Mile).
Burial will follow at White Chapel Cemetery.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to make a donation to Purple Heart or the Franklin Historical Society in Madeline’s memory.
Madeline was a kind, adventurous spirit who enjoyed helping others, entertaining, cooking, gardening, and giving back to her community. Whether it was sharing her fashion expertise at the annual rummage sale at First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, recruiting and serving as President for the neighborhood Mobile Watch with her husband, putting time and energy into projects with the Franklin Historic Society, or simply making pancakes with the Boy Scouts for the local firemen’s fundraiser, Madeline was always giving of herself. The community acknowledged her leadership by making her Grand Marshall of their Labor Day parade, twice!
She was born on September 3, 1922 to the late Grover and Olive Serenbetz. Her family lived in Long Island, New York, and Florida, before returning to Michigan. She graduated from Flint Northern High School and furthered her education attending Flint GMI as one of their first woman enrollees. She used that education in her work as an executive secretary in an auto-related business for several decades. She was a life-long learner, always forward-looking and curious.
In her youth, she was an avid baseball player, following a long family tradition. She was patriotic, from selling bonds during World War II to making sure she voted in every election. She had a keen sense of fashion and style, and an eye for design, including an interest in architecture. Had she grown up in a different era, she would have probably pursued that field. An avid boater as well, Madeline had Coast Guard certification and enjoyed time on the water. One of her many avocational pursuits was oil painting, and several of her pictures grace her home. Madeline also enjoyed traveling, with one of her favorite trips the time she spent in Hawaii.
Those who knew her from afar saw her energy, style and efficiency. Those who knew her more personally will remember Madeline as a dear sweet person who touched many lives, and she will be greatly missed by all who crossed her path.
Loving mother of Marcia Tanner (Bruce). Step-mother of Cindy Campbell (Mark) and Robert Haddad (Dana). Proud grandmother of Rebekah, Samantha, and Stephen. Dear sister of Grover Serenbetz (late Catherine), George Serenbetz (Joyce), and Maybelle Fraser (late Donald).
Family will receive friends on Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 10:00AM until the time of funeral at 1:00PM at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel) 32515 Woodward Ave (between 13-14 Mile).
Burial will follow at White Chapel Cemetery.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to make a donation to Purple Heart or the Franklin Historical Society in Madeline’s memory.
Service
A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel)
32515 Woodward Ave (btwn 13-14 Mile)
Royal Oak, MI US 48073
Royal Oak, MI US 48073
Visitation begins at funeral home at 10:00AM
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