Harleysville, Pa. —
Madeline was born in Lebanon, N.H. to the late Arthur W. and Mary Ellen (McCue) Townsend. She graduated with the Lebanon High School Class of 1935. For 67 years she quietly and lovingly gave her strength and support to her late husband, Howard C. Townsend.
Madeline was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was known as a compassionate person, who left her mark on countless lives. She and Howard welcomed people of any culture, race or ethnicity into their family and hearts. They were always generous to people in need, and taught their children to be the same.
Madeline remained active in New Hampshire politics alongside Howard until their later years, serving in the NH House of Representatives herself for a time. She also volunteered in many capacities while living in Lebanon.
Madeline avidly read history and biography. She loved playing games, always with a twinkle in her eye and a competitive edge to the very end. Over the years she enjoyed hiking, walking, gardening, and bird watching. She treasured sunrises, sunsets, and the ever changing day and night skies.
Madeline was a member of Bethany Bible Fellowship Church, Hatfield, Pa., until she passed into Glory. She formerly was a member of the First Methodist Church, Lebanon, N.H. and West Lebanon Baptist Church, West Lebanon, N.H., where she served in a variety of ministries. To the end of her life she remained a committed student of the Bible and an active prayer warrior.
Madeline is survived by four children: Bruce Townsend and wife Merinda of Lebanon, N.H.; Marilyn Bossard and husband David of Harleysville, Pa.; Rebecca Townsend of Oakdale, Conn.; and Faith Attaguile of Encinitas, Calif. She has nine grandchildren: Dwight, Heidi, Andrew, Brendan, Bekah, Pamela, Mary Ellen, John, and Naomi; and fourteen great grandchildren, Sarah, Nathan, Merinda Esther, Paul, Deborah, C.J., MeeSoh, MeeDm, Caleb, Joshua, Madeline, Lisbon, Merayah and David Leonardo. Others too numerous to count “adopted” her as mother and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by five brothers: Douglas, Richard, Harold, Paul and Ralph, and two sisters: Katherine Pringle and Dorothy Banagan.
Burial will take place at School Street Cemetery, Lebanon, N.H. on Thursday, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m. Friends and family are invited to gather at the cemetery and at the Lebanon Assembly of God Fellowship Room following the internment for refreshments.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Bethany Bible Fellowship Church Family Life Center 75 W. Broad St. Hatfield, PA. 19440.
An online guest book is available to leave a message of condolence for the Townsend family by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.