Obituary: Madeline Edwards, 74, Of New London

Information and image via Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home

NEW LONDON, CT - Madeline Mary Campbell Edwards, 74 of New London passed away on January 9, 2019 after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. She was born May 19, 1944 in the Bronx, New York and moved to Waterford where she attended school. She married Kenneth Edwards in 1961 and they celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary last year. When her three sons were old enough for school she went back to work in retail. She worked at New London institutions such as Tom Kelly’s Wood Stoves on Howard Street, Montgomery Ward on State Street and Sears in the Shopping Center. She worked at Steinbeck’s in Waterford for many years until joining Bob’s Stores when Steinbeck’s closed.

Madeline was active in the community serving as President of the New London Pee Wee Football Association long after her sons had moved on to high school ball. She was also an early member of the New London Marine Commerce and Development Committee where she helped start Sailfest, eventually serving as it’s chairperson.

In more recent years she was a super fan and advocate for her grandchildren. It didn’t matter what event, she was there. Baseball, softball, football, basketball, soccer, ballet, Saint Joseph’s school plays, even Lessons and Carols, she was there. They could do no wrong, even when they did. The only team to come close to getting the support her grandchildren did from her was the UCONN woman’s basketball team. Amongst many commendable qualities, she will be remembered for her unwavering love and compassion for her family and loved ones. She was the glue of the family and always put everyone else’s needs before her own. Her gentle yet fierce spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved forever.

Along with her husband Ken she is survived by her three sons, Ken Jr and his wife Nancy of New London, William of Groton, Kevin of Clinton, daughter in law Karen of Oakdale; four grandchildren Brenna, Danielle, Jason and Billy. She is also survived by her brother John Campbell and his family from Rockport Texas - wife Liz and Madeline’s niece Kerry Mitchell; as well as her sister Donna Madden and her family from Mystic- husband Dan and Madeline’s nieces Jaren Herron and Lorell Madden, and great niece Ali Herron. She is preceded by her mother and father, William and Irene Campbell.

Calling hours are Monday from 6-8 PM at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. The funeral will assemble at 10:15 A.M. Tuesday at the funeral home and proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 A.M in St. Joseph Church. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. The family would like to thank Dr. Ben Newton and his team at the Smilow Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, donations in Madeline’s name can be made to The Smilow Cancer Center in Waterford. Condolences may be shared on Madeline’s memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.