Madeline Ursula (Dunn) Manchester, 92, of Franklin, MA passed away peacefully on April 11 surrounded by her loved ones. She was predeceased by her loving husband Harold Linwood Manchester in 1983.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island, January 23, 1925, Madeline was the daughter of the late Joseph and Violet (Crosby) Dunn, she was raised in Providence and lived in Franklin since 1957.
Mrs. Manchester worked in a family owned business, Sun-Trol of Massachusetts, Inc. with her husband for 26 years. She also worked as a bookkeeper for Radio Frequency in Medfield for 17 years before retiring.
Madeline had a love of music that dates to when she was a member of the choir at the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul in Providence. She was also a member of the Abbott Singers in Providence and they performed at veteran’s hospitals and other functions. As a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Franklin she was a member of the choir for many years. She also sang with the Senior Center’s Franklin Singing Seniors. Madeline also enjoyed card games with the family, doing crossword puzzles, bingo, bananagram and was an avid fan of the New England Patriots. During World War II, she was very proud to be one of the famous Rosie the Riveters at Quonset Point in Rhode Island.
She is survived by her children, David Manchester of Franklin, Leslie Manchester of Franklin, Stephen Manchester and his wife Amy of Sudbury, Sandra Manchester of Bellingham, Hal Manchester of Owasso, Oklahoma and Laurie Rocheleau of Bellingham. She is also survived by her sister Maybelle Nielsen and was the sister of the late Mary Kenyon both of Providence. Madeline was adored by her grandchildren, Erin Rocheleau, Adam Manchester, Raymond Rocheleau, Lauren Manchester and Braxton Manchester. She is also survived by five nieces and a nephew.
Calling hours will be on Tuesday, April 18 from 4-8 p.m. at the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street, Franklin, MA (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com). Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 19 at the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin commencing at 9:15 a.m. followed by a 10:00 a.m. funeral mass at St. Mary’s Parish, 1 Church Sq., Franklin, MA. Burial services will take place at the Acotes Hill Cemetery, Putnam Pike, Chepachet, Rhode Island.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to the Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Suite 745, Boston,MA 02215.