Helen M. (McKenna) Madden

Helen Mary Madden died on May 27, 2010, in a hospice setting at Becker-Shoop Nursing Home. She had been ill with Alzheimer’s disease for the past few years.

Helen was born on Dec 30, 1916. Her birth parents, Henry and Josephine McKenna both died in the Flu epidemic in 1919, and Helen was adopted by John and Barbara Cowick of Racine. She went to St Rose School, and graduated from Washington Park High School in 1934. She spent one year learning secretarial skills at the Racine Continuation School and went to work for the DuMore Mfg. Co. where she became secretary to Mr. Robert Hamilton, the president of the company. She left DuMore’s to get married in 1944 to William Madden, then a medical student, and they returned to Racine in 1950 when Dr. Madden started practicing with Drs. Russell and Louis Kurten.

Helen is survived by her husband, William; sons Dennis (Suzanne) and John (Rose) Madden; grandaughters, Amy (Bryant) Davis, Paula (Matthew) Andersen, Anne (Josh) Pudelko, and Megan Reeves; as well as six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews from both the Madden and McKenna families. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Maureen.

Helen was a devoted wife and mother. She loved the trips that were taken with the children when they were young, and then with various groups of friends and golf groups. She loved to dance, play golf, do needlework, grow her flowers in the garden. Much enjoyment also came from playing cards with her friends, “the Shanghai Girls” at the Racine County Club.

As a volunteer, Helen worked for many organizations. She was president of the Auxiliary at St Mary’s Hospital, chairlady of the gift shop, and a board member of the American Cancer Society.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., on Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at 11 a.m. with Father John Aiello officiating. There will be a visitation at the church on Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. preceding the Mass.

Special thanks to Sara Ramig, Helen’s health care worker, and to the wonderful group of caring workers at the Becker-Shoop Center. If desired, donations can be made to the Community Health Care Network, 904 State St., Racine 53402.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine  (262) 634-7888