Madelyn “Ducky” Black of Lynn, formerly of Melrose, was called home to heaven and greeted by all of the angels that went before her on January 8, 2022.
Madelyn was born in Melrose MA on April 4, 1936. She grew up in Melrose and graduated from Cheverus Centennial High School in 1955. She also attended Springfield Community College in the 1980s. Shortly after finishing high school, she married her husband, Eugene, and they started a family in Wakefield MA. As the family grew, they moved into a house they had built in Westford MA. While raising her six children, she was still able to work part time as a CNA. The professions Madelyn was most passionate about were being a case manager in group homes, as well as fostering children that needed a home.
Madelyn respected and appreciated nature, often finding solace in the simplistic beauty of the ocean, trees, and animals. Her quick wit and engaging sense of humor brightened many lives. She was caring and selfless, often sacrificing to place the worries of others above her own. She had a warmth and kindness that guided and reassured others through difficult challenges. She had an adoring and genuine sense of spirituality. Her strong faith was inspiring to others for maintaining optimism and hope. She was a humble soul who never sought to be praised (although it certainly was deserved).
Madelyn’s passions in life included gardening, making floral arrangements, caring for her
numerous pets from childhood into her golden years, playing chess and parcheesi (which she marveled in sharing her victories!), watching Jeopardy, spending time at the beach, reading, cooking, listening to Irish music, and engaging in her Irish culture. She was a devout Catholic and looked forward to attending masses. Madelyn had a love for her many hats and was always being complimented on them. True to her nickname, she had quite the duck collection.
Beloved daughter of the late Alice (Mollins) and George Magennis. Devoted sister of Donna Smith of Westfield MA. Former spouse and lifelong friend, Eugene Black, Sr., of North Conway, NH. Utmost loving, caring, and dedicated mother of Eugene Black, Jr. and spouse Daniel Avery of Holyoke MA, Madelyn Bry and late husband Mark of Milton NH, the late Frederick Black, Margaret Pepin and husband David of Malden MA, Kathleen Guerra and husband Sean of Dracut MA, and Diana Fondulis and husband Nick of Saugus MA. Cherished grandmother of Cherishe Chesley and husband Matthew, Brendan Sammataro and wife Olivia, Colin Sammataro, Cameron Sammataro and his wife Tami, the late Meaghan Sammataro, Tianna, Jacob, and Daniel Guerra, and Sophia, Alexander, and Lukas Fondulis. Loving great-grandmother of Matthew Chesley Jr., Elizabeth Sammataro, and Tyler and Caiden Sammataro. Warm-hearted aunt of Richard Correia, Jr., Lisa Richard, Mark Correia, Diana Correia, Christopher Correia, and Sharon Sullivan. Dear friend of Margaret Small of Melrose, MA.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Madelyn's Funeral Mass on Friday, January 14, 2022 at 11 A.M. in The Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield. (FACIAL COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED INSIDE CHURCH). Her burial is private. There are no funeral home visiting hours.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation to the St. Francis House 39 Boylston St Boston MA 02116 and/or to the MSPCA-Angell Attn: Donations 350 South Huntington Ave Boston MA 02130.
Madelyn was the breathtaking flower that planted itself firmly amongst a sea of more common varieties within the garden. The one flower that didn’t expect to be picked. The one flower that never faded or disappeared. The one flower that never will.