Madeline (Hamilton) Donelan

ORANGE- Madeline (Hamilton) Donelan, 91, of Orange passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in her home surrounded by her children.

Madeline was born and raised in Orange by her loving parents, Bessie and George Hamilton, along with her sisters, Arlene, Evelyn, Sylvia, and Marjorie. She graduated from Orange High     School in 1950 but not before meeting the love of her life, James Donelan. She married Jim and together they raised nine children, celebrating 49 years together. Madeline was a full-time mom and devoted wife.

After years of raising her children Madeline went on to work, being appointed the first female court officer in Franklin County, and over time she was appointed Chief Court Officer, another           first for Franklin County. She served for sixteen years before retiring in 1996. She also served for many years on the Town of Orange Board of Health. In her earlier years before marriage, Madeline was employed as a cashier at Donelan’s Supermarket.

Madeline was a communicant at St. Mary’s Church in Orange, where she was a member of St. Mary’s Women’s Club as well as a religious education teacher for the young children of the parish for many years. She also sang in St. Mary’s choir under the direction of her daughter,Theresa.

Madeline was a beautiful example of a woman of strong Christian faith. She displayed this strength in many ways but most especially at the loss of her son, Timothy in 1975, husband, James in 2000, and daughter, Rosemary in 2022. Her strength and conviction during these times inspired her family and friends.

Madeline leaves behind her children, Michael of Orange, Brian (Barbara) of East Sandwich, Ann Marie Holmgren (Carl) of Punta Gorda FL, Maureen Kolodziej (Jim) of Orange, Theresa Bergquist  (Jack) of Orange, Christopher (Maureen) of Greenfield, Kevin (Lisa) of Athol. She also leaves 15 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

As well as having been predeceased by her husband and two children, Madeline was also predeceased by all four of her sisters.

A liturgy of Christian Burial will be Friday, April 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church,133 Main Street, Greenfield MA.

There are no calling hours.

A private burial will take place at Gethsemane Cemetery, Athol MA.

Memorial donations are suggested to Care Central VNA & Hospice, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA 01440 (please specify “Hospice Program” with your donation).

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest gook and directions at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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