Born January 31, 1927, in Fall River, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of the late Wilfred A. Hamel and Aurore E. (Charest) Hamel, and the sister of the late Jacqueline (Hamel) Sisson.
A graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, she later obtained a degree in Childhood Education from Bristol Community College. A long-time resident of Fall River, she moved to Westport, Massachusetts in 1997.
Miss Hamel was a founding member of the WALE radio station. She later joined the First Federal Savings Bank of Fall River, and then worked for over 40 years at The Ski House in Somerset, MA.
Madeleine was an outstanding athlete, and excelled in skiing, tennis and golf. She was a member of the Fall River Ski Club and the Fall River Country Club. She later joined the New Bedford Country Club, and won the Women’s Championship in 1970, 1971, 1977, 1983, 1984 and 1989. She was active for many years with the Little Theater of Fall River.
Throughout her life she was an avid photographer and videographer. She enjoyed travelling and had a special affinity for the ocean. Her hobbies included gardening and reading, and she was a connoisseur of fine wines.
She is survived by her brother Wilfred A. Hamel, Jr. of Fall River, and by her nieces and nephews, to whom she was truly a second mother: James Sisson (Marisa); Richard Sisson (Donna), Jacqueline Roppolo (Frank); Gregory Sisson (Joannie); Lincoln Sisson (Joanne); Paul Hamel (Cheryl); Donna O’Hearn (James); Jocelyn Cunha (Oliver); Peter Hamel; and David Hamel. She is also survived by 16 grandnieces and nephews, 5 great-grandnieces and nephews, and several cousins. She leaves behind a large circle of friends, which she maintained throughout her life.
“Aunt Madi” had a profound impact on everyone in her life, and she was always focused on the care and wellbeing of others. Her positive energy, warmth and unconditional love will be sadly missed by all who had the great blessing of having had her as an integral part of their own lives.
Memorial Mass to which relatives and friends are invited will be Saturday, May 28, 2016 at St. John the Baptist Church, Westport at 10:00 A.M.