November 7, 1927-May 28, 2023
PARSONSFIELD- Madeline M. French, 95, of Parsonsfield, ME, went peacefully to be with her Savior on Sunday, May 28, at Tissues Country Estate, Athens, ME, where she had been a resident since December 2022.
Born November 7, 1927, Madeline was the youngest (living) daughter of the late Ralph and Marion McAllister. She was preceded in death by Donald S. French, her husband of 49 years, three sisters: Ellen, Bernice, and Esther, and halfsiblings Mabel and Bernard. Madeline is survived by daughters Patricia (Pat) Hunt of Cornville, ME (with whom she lived from September 2021-December 2022) and Virginia (Ginny) Westover of Reedsville, PA, nine grandchildren: Jonathan, David, Joshua, Aimee, Megan, Ben, Josiah, Esther, and Mercy, and 18 great-grandchildren.
Madeline was a longstanding member of Calvary Bible Church of Hiram, ME, where she was active in several ministries including Dare to Care, Ladies’ Fellowship, the Widows Group, and prayer ministry. She encouraged many through her spiritual gift of “helps”/hospitality, whether through baked goods, casseroles, invitations to join her for a meal, or a cheerful note. For many years she sent handwritten notes to missionary friends and welcomed those on furlough into her home to stay.
Madeline was an active member of the Porter-Parsonsfield Historical Society. She enjoyed local history and books in general, especially loving to read and study the Bible. Madeline loved the outdoors and all things in nature - except snakes, ticks and black flies! Her table always held a vase of fresh-cut flowers, and many birds, squirrels and chipmunks enjoyed meals of seed and suet from her numerous feeders.
Madeline enjoyed a variety of music genres, often attending local concerts and holiday performances of the Portland Symphony. Smiling and laughing were part of almost everything Madeline did, especially when those things involved the grand and great-grandchildren. She loved to play board games with kids of all ages, especially if the game was Parcheesi!
A celebration of Madeline’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, June 6, at Calvary Bible Church, 348 So. Hiram Rd, Hiram, ME.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Calvary Bible Church, PO Box 333, Parsonsfield, Maine 04047
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish, www.mainefuneral.com