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Madeline Littlefield Obituary
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She is finally at peace and with her earlier departed husband Henry, for which we are grateful.
Madeline was born Sept. 23, 1934, in New York, N.Y., to James and Mary Smith.
She was the loving wife and partner to Henry Littlefield for 43 years.
She is survived by her daughters Kate Brill and Mary Littlefield, her grandson Eli Brill and her brother Jim Smith.
Madeline grew up in Baldwin, Long Island, N.Y. She attended the Grier School for girls in Tyrone, Pa., then earned her bachelor's degree at Wheaton College in Norton, Mass., majoring in music. She studied organ and sacred music at Union Theological Seminary in New York City and then earned her master's degree in education at Smith College in Northampton, Mass.
She married Henry Littlefield in 1956 and the two began their long life together, with a shared passion for teaching. She loved teaching little ones and he loved teaching high school and college age students. While she was a master teacher at Smith College Campus School, Henry was a Dean of students and wrestling coach at Amherst College in Amherst, Mass. While she was the founding director and teacher of the Early Childhood Unit at All Saints Day School in Carmel Valley, he was the headmaster of the York School in Monterey. While she was the director and teacher at the Wayfarer School in Carmel, he taught history at the Robert Louis Stevenson School in Pebble Beach.
She was a beloved kindergarten teacher for many generations of children on the Monterey Peninsula. She enjoyed seeing her students grow up and marry and have children of their own, whom Madeline then taught in her classes.
Madeline also enjoyed a long life devoted to music. Wherever she lived she always belonged to at least one choir. She was a co-founding chorus member of I Cantori Di Carmel, a local choral group. She was also a member of the Carmel Bach Festival Chorus for 30 years. She was an alto and she loved to sing!
Madeline devoted time as a hospice volunteer for many years on the Monterey Peninsula, comforting the dying and their families.
Madeline also enjoyed her many beloved pets. She owned a horse as a girl and had many wonderfully memorable dogs, Teddy (the crazy Corgi), Meluka and Purlie and treasured cats, Vincent, Jesse and Talin, to name just a few, as well as Guinea pigs, mice, turtles, which were mascots for all her Kindergarten classes. She was never without a pet.
Most importantly, Madeline loved her many friends. They filled her life with joy! They loved her fun loving nature, hilarious sense of humor and unique world views.
Madeline will be terribly missed by her family, friends and students.
A Memorial service was held in Pacific Grove on Sunday, March 10, 2013.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Madeline Littlefield
Sponsored by Mary Littlefield, Kate Brill and Jim Smith.
Richard Garfunkel
March 2, 2025
Thanks for bringing Madeline's memory back to me and so many others. As I had written below, she was a wonderful person and a great partner to my friend, mentor and coach, her husband Henry. henry and I exchanged thousands of letters, emails and post cards from when I went to college in 1963 to his untimely passing in 2000. He was remarkable person and a beacon, rock and friend to countless folks from one side of the country to the next!
Lauren (Spindler Proulx) Leonoff
March 2, 2025
I always love seeing Mrs. Littlefield pop up in my email and appreciate this continued memorial. Having attended Lorrie Stiles´ memorial at ASDS recently, Mrs. Littlefield was on my mind and I like to think the two of them are together singing some Thursday morning chapel favorites;) (All Things Bright & Beautiful, The Irish Blessing)
I remember telling Mrs. Littlefield about moving to NYC to teach at Laurie Boone´s Montessori school and I´ll never forget her enthusiasm for me. I now run St. Dunstan´s Montessori School in Carmel, and have taken much of my own lived experience of love and acceptance during my most formative years in ECU, and offer that to our community. Mrs. Littlefield was a gift to so many and I am to grateful for the impact she had on my earliest years. Much love to all who miss her dearly. May you find signs of her everywhere.
With love, Lauren (Spindler Proulx) Leonoff
Richard Garfunkel
March 2, 2024
It is many years years since the world loss Madeline, a wonderful person who I and everyone else who knew her adored. I do think of her and Henry often. Here I am with the Littlefield's in the late 1960s. This picture is on my wall. I met them over 60 years ago, and not a day goes by that their memory comes to my consciousness.
Richard J. Garfunkel
January 14, 2023
I knew the Littlefield from 1961 when I was 16, when I was a Sophomore at AB Davis HS, in Mount Vernon, NY. I worked with Henry's wrestling program until I went to college and then came back to MV to help him, asbest I could until 1967. Remained in close contact until his untimely death in 2000. I met many people over my almost 78 years, in every field imaginable and he was the greatest and the most remarkable. As for Madeline, I loved her as a younger brother. She was wonderful, sweet, and wonderful company. Everyone who knew her adored her. The loss of Henry was a burden she could never lift. Who could. They were a unique and remarkable couple who made the lives of everyone they met infinitely better. Richard J. Garfunkel
Patricia Jane O'Neill
April 4, 2022
I have her photos here with me. I miss her greatly. I now live in Palo Alto and see more of my grandchildren Thank you for keeping this open for the many memories I am at the V in Palo Alto on Sand Hill Road. What a wonderful friend your Mother was to me and my family. We speak of her often with great love and gratitude. She is still with us In Spirit. Many thanks and love
Doug Garr
April 3, 2022
I am so sorry that it took me 9 years to discover this tribute to Madeline. She and her husband, Henry, were heroes in my life for too many reasons to enumerate. I miss them both dearly.
Patricia Jane O'Neill
March 2, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Patricia O'Neill
March 2, 2020
Miss you. Never forget you. Love you lots! Did I say Miss you? Double that!!!
Mary Littlefield
March 3, 2019
Mary Littlefield
March 3, 2019
Mary Littlefield
March 3, 2019
Madeline Littlefield
March 3, 2019
Lauren Proulx
February 25, 2018
Hi Kate,
I came across a letter from your mom from 2005 when I had written to her sharing the news that I would be moving to NYC to work for Laurie Boone, my former head of school at All Saints. Your mom was my beloved kindergarten teacher and I knew your dad at Stevenson as well. In her note, she shared that you were also Montessori trained. I just discovered this as I was going through old papers and have recently moved home after 12 years teaching at an AMI primary school in the Upper East Side. I am now back in Carmel Valley at St. Dunstan's as a co director and teacher, converting the school to Montessori.
I didn't know how else to contact you so I apologize for this venue. However, I feel all things happen for a reason and perhaps your mom's letter plus this website are all part of the connection in honor of her.
I would love to hear from you or connect in person if you are ever in the area.
You were blessed with two very loving parents and I am so grateful to have known them both. Their memory lives on in so many. xx
December 11, 2017
Mary
mary littlefield
September 15, 2015
Always looking for fun!
mary littlefield
March 6, 2015
Madeline
mary littlefield
November 15, 2014
peter sanger
October 19, 2014
i don't know what made me think of henry and madeline out of the blue, so i looked her up. so sorry i was late in finding them. they both were my heroes growing up in n.y.p family friends with my parents for years, so sorry for the family's loss.
mary littlefield
May 3, 2014
Linda Fleming
April 27, 2014
My parents, Lillian and Bob Sanger, were close friends with Madeline and "Hank". I am so sorry to realize they are both gone. I remember you girls so well and I am sorry for your loss.
My dad passed away in 2000 and my mom in 2006.
With affection,
Linda Sanger Fleming
York School
March 21, 2013
The York School community was sad to hear about Madeline's passing.She was a great support to her husband in his leadership role at York School. She graciously opened her home to Dr. Littlefield's History class, assisted with fundraising for the School, and was a steadfast friend to faculty during the 14 years the couple lived on campus. Madeline touched many lives and will be remembered fondly by students, parents, faculty, and community members. The Littlefield legacy continues here on the hill in the rich traditions and strong reputation of the School.
Jane and Jim Palik
March 21, 2013
We remember Mrs. Littlefield and loved her from the first time we met her when our son Anthony (Tony)Palik attended York School for 3 years. She shared her many gifts with others. And I can name a few: talents in art, music, and her kind help and encouragement to students and other youngsters. Much sympathy and good wishes to Mrs. Littlefield many friends and her loving family.
Dave Snow - '89
March 21, 2013
Wishing your family strength through this difficult time.
Peter Kieffer
March 20, 2013
She was indeed a friend of York faculty! I remember her welcoming and generous spirit. Both Henry and Madeline brought so much to campus life at York.
Josh
March 20, 2013
A very nice and generous soul, she was.
Michelle Gutierrez
March 20, 2013
The entire York class of '82 will miss Madeline's wonderful sense of humor. She was always a gracious hostess to Henry's AP history classes. We hope to join you one day in the heavenly choir...
Keren Robertson (York '91)
March 20, 2013
Dear Littlefield Family,
Your parents were wonderful leaders during my years at York. I will never forget history class in your parents' living room or all the many ways in which they made York feel like a family. Thinking of you and sending many prayers of comfort for you all.
Robin Fradin
March 20, 2013
My condolences to the family. I remember Mrs. Littlefield very well as a kind and gentle soul who cared a great deal for York, education and the students she encountered. She will be missed. Robin (Kienbaum) Fradin--Class of 1979
March 20, 2013
We loved you Madeline and will continue to love yopu as we continue to remember you. Shirley and Saul Turteltaub
Christina Griffith
March 20, 2013
Blessings and care, Littlefield family. Madeline and Henry were invaluable mentors in my life, even long after my '83 York graduation. I will always cherish them and will miss Madeline's deep kindness, soft voice and warm spirit...
Juliette Wade
March 20, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear this news. She was a light in the world, and seeing her always made me smile. My deepest condolences.
March 20, 2013
God bless you Madeline Littlefield. Give Henry my love too.
March 20, 2013
Madeline was an important part of the York School community for many years and had many friends here. Her dedication to teaching young people and her love of music are only part of the rich legacy she left us. We mourn her passing and offer our sympathy and support for her family.
Chuck Harmon, York School
Elaine Giampietro
March 17, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Madeline's passing - though I know Henry will be happy to see her, again.
I knew them first though the graduate seminars of est and Landmark Education, They both had enormous gifts to present to all. Madeline was my neighbor in PG and how I loved running into her. Henry died while I was away from CA...I adored them both.
Holly Remington
March 16, 2013
Dearest Kate and Mary,
My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to you. I loved your mother with all my heart. She was one of the kindest, most joyful souls I have ever known. Having known the Littlefield family has been one of my greatest gifts in life. With much sadness I send you my love and blessings.
Holly Olander Remington
[email protected]
March 15, 2013
My dearest, dearest love and strength for Madeline's spirit to carry on. What a wonderful, compassionate and sensitive woman she was.
Her sensitivity to our spiritual world and special understanding of the Reiki phenomenon helped me endure the passing of my only and dear, dear sister there in Monterey. Madeline had such a gentle, kind and wonderful soul and spirit, and shared her bright outlook in life and all the processes of it ," as part of the beauty, wonderment and mystery of it all." she told me with a smile. She gave me a true, secure, warm and Motherly hug that day. I'll never forget it. I felt eased of any burdens or responsibilities. My sister passed on peacefully and I felt at ease because of this one woman I knew for a few days only.
Madeline, this wonderful woman, Mother, teacher and leader, is a true legacy to behold and enhanced all those who had the privilege of knowing and spending time with her. We will miss her.
With much love and adoration for your family,
Elizabeth Bavor
Joyce Sherry
March 14, 2013
What a wonderful human being Madeline Littlefield was! She was a warm heart and a constant inspiration. Each time she came to see one of the plays I directed at York School, she would grab my hand and hold onto it with such enthusiasm and kindness. Always with a twinkle in her eye, she would tell me what she'd noticed in the play (and what a sharp sensibility she had, too!), which of my actors had been her students and what Henry would have thought of it. I will always cherish her for the kindness she unfailingly showed me. My thoughts are with her family.
Andre Cook
March 13, 2013
I was very fortunate to have Mrs. Littlefield a my teacher in ECU. I remember the first time I met Mrs. Littlefield, her smile lit up the whole room. She touched numerous lives with her angelic personality. I will always be grateful for the opportunity I had to be her student at All Saints, she made a life lasting impression on me and for that I am eternally grateful.
Karen Langreder
March 11, 2013
Such a beautiful woman and such a life so well lived. I learned many of life's lessons from her when I lived in Pacific Grove. I awoke one morning to a patio covered in flower petals when Henry passed away and she taught me how to celebrate one's passing as well as mourning the loss. She helped Brittany build a trap for the leprechaun and the next morning they found they had caught a teddy bear instead! We would sit and talk over tea and some lonely nights she would curl up on my couch and share her wisdom with me. She helped me through a tumultuous time in my life and I survived it with grace and dignity, because she would have it no other way.
Living next door, so close to her for 9 months was such a gift. Being her friend was such an honor.
Amy Williams Melton
March 10, 2013
Before I began ECU, All Saints sent a teacher to each prospective kindergartener's home to meet the child. I was painfully shy as a 4 year old so my mom was concerned that I would keep to myself during this process. When my mom opened the door for this meeting, there stood Mrs. Littlefield, and I still remember her as I first saw her: a warm, curious, beaming light there on my front porch. I released the security of my mom's leg to take Mrs. Littlefield's gentle hand and led her to my room where I shared my art and proudly demonstrated my knowledge of letters and numbers. My mom couldn't believe how instantly comfortable and gregarious I was with her, but that was Mrs. Littlefield's way! She was authentic and nurturing and spunky and children just loved her! I love her and feel incredibly lucky to have had her as a teacher and mentor!
Lucie Nelson
March 10, 2013
I knew Maddie way back at Wheaton where I lived for several years in the same dorm with her. She was very focused on her music and she was greatly respected as one of the leaders in our class. I especially remember her sharp wit and how perceptive she was of people. The photo here looks like the Maddie I knew. Lucie Gallagher Nelson
Tracey Pullen
March 10, 2013
What a wonderful teacher and lady. I am so fortunate for my sons to have had Madeline Littlefield for the early years of learning. Chris and Greg both learned so much from the ECU at All Saints Episcopal Day School. Madeline was a lovng teacher to all the children. She will be missed.
Nancy Allison
March 9, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Madeline's passing. She sat right behind me during I Cantori rehearsals and would always try to make me laugh with her jokes. We were forever getting into trouble. My own parents so enjoyed spending time with Madeline and Henry as my dad and Henry were both Columbia men and athletes who shared the same coaches and professors while Madeline and my mom talked about growing up in the same area back east. My deepest sympathies to the Littlefield girls. Your mom will be greatly missed.
Alexandra "Sandy" O'Gorman
March 9, 2013
I will miss you Madeline!
Jill Lundberg
March 9, 2013
Madeline was always a joy to be around. In recent years she was always so friendly anytime I came back to Monterey to visit. Such a loving and friendly woman! I also still miss Dr. Littlefield who was my headmaster and history teacher. I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Please know that so many of us loved them.
Angela Hopper
March 9, 2013
I was a York student when Dr. Littlefield was the Headmaster there. He and Madeline were both so warm and approachable. After graduating from college, I always loved running into Madeline around town; she was always up to something interesting. My sympathies to the family.
Erin Moses
March 9, 2013
There is so much love and so many happy memories going around within the huge community that Mrs. Littlefield has positively impacted.
She was my kindergarten teacher at All Saints many many moons ago and will always hold a dear place in my memory.
Sending the family love as you celebrate the life of a wonderful woman!
Marjorie Saint D'Agneaux
March 9, 2013
Madeline lit up the classroom. Her students (and parents) loved her warmth, friendliness and sweetness. What a wonderful woman! She spent her time here well. Many blessings on her and her family. I feel privileged to have known her and to have her teach our children.
Patricia O'Neill
March 9, 2013
Thank you Kate and Mary for being with her until the last. Thank you for surrounding her with your love and the I Cantori music. She is finally free. We will all miss her greatly. Her wonderful sense of humor, her ability to help others and to see the best in all people, her friendship. Please know we all loved her and though saddened by her loss, know she is finally free and with her beloved Henry. Thank you once again for keeping all of us posted as to her condition these past months. She loved you all so very much!
Koji & Yoshie Okazaki
March 8, 2013
Dear family,
I am not sure if my condolence to you has sent right before this without my signature, but just in case it did not, I am writing this again.
We are very sorry for your loss of your dear mother. My wife and I had known her for a long time through her visits to my acupuncture clinic. We remember her as an intelligent, pleasant and talented lady. She used to sing songs for us when she came in, and had a beautiful voice. We missed seeing her very much when she had sent us a letter, saying she no longer drove and was not able to come to my office any more about two years ago. We will dearly miss her. Please take care.
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