Mrs. Madeline (Sylvia) Tavares, 82, of Taunton, passed away on February 11, 2014 at her home in Taunton. She was the wife of the late Albert Tavares, to whom she was married on September 30, 1950. Born in Taunton on June 17, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Josephine (Stefanik) Sylvia. In addition to raising five children, Madeline worked in retail for many years. She loved interacting with people and in the early 1960’s could be seen serving hot drinks at Dunnington’s in the center of Taunton. She also worked at the Family Shop in Whittenton and Goodnow’s in downtown Taunton. Later in life, Madeline worked to help comfort the terminally ill as a Hospice care provider. She loved arts and crafts and sewing, but her greatest joy was cooking the most amazing meals for any hungry soul that came to her home. She also enjoyed camping and spending time with family and friends.
She is survived by 2 sons: George P. Tavares and Paul R. Tavares; 2 daughters: Deborah A. Dunham and Tracy N. Tavares; 2 brothers: Alfred Sylvia of Raynham and Robert Sylvia of Taunton; 3 grandchildren: Lynnelle Tavares, Matthew Tavares, and Jessica-Lynn Daly. She also leaves 2 great grandchildren.
Per request of the family, all services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of The Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home of Taunton.