ELIOT, Maine - Madeline Muzzey Welts passed away peacefully on Monday, September 3, 2018 at the Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover, N.H., with her family by her side.

Born October 9, 1932, in Dekalb, Illinois, Madeline was the daughter of Harold V. Muzzey and Lois L. Sipple and the loving and caring sister of seven siblings including Jerry A. Muzzey of Las Vegas, Wilbur (Bill) B. Muzzey of Lockport, Ill., Virginia (Ginger) K. Muzzey of Lockport, Ill., Dennis K. Muzzey of Lockport, Ill., Mary Jo LaFollette of Galesburg, Ill., Sarah F. Owens of Lexington, Ky., Kerry B. Muzzey of Mobile, Ala., and step-brother John C. Sipple of Mobile, Ala.

Raised in the cornfields of Illinois, Madeline spent many years on the farm with her grandparents Wilbur and Verna "Denna" Woods in the tiny town of Paw Paw, Ill. Madeline played a significant role in helping to raise her siblings at their home in Joliet, Ill., and served as a motherly role model and big-sister to them all throughout her lifetime. She graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1950 and worked in finance at Standard Oil Company of Indiana for years before relocating to Maine.

After marrying the love of her life, Charlie, in 1955, they established their home in Eliot, where they enjoyed 54 "glorious, fun-filled years" together while raising their children Diana L. Marzinzik of Eliot and Michael R. Welts of Stratham, N.H. Madeline took great pride in raising her children, providing a lifetime of love, laughter, support and teaching the value of family. Madeline constantly re-defined the meaning of motherhood and selfless giving and care, always at her children and grandchildren's side.

Madeline was known by many for her beautiful, endless smile, her passion and never-ending love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandbabies, and for her magical way of making everyone feel uniquely special and treasured.

In her many years of living in Eliot, she became recognized as the welcoming "red head" behind the counter at Osco Drug in Kittery, and the beautiful makeup artist at Porteous at the Newington Mall. While initially a corn-field bred girl, she quickly became a lover of the ocean and beaches where she could be seen strolling along or going for one of her famous hours-long beach cruises.

Madeline and Charlie traveled the world together and especially enjoyed their annual "snowbird" excursions to their home in Cocoa Beach, Fla., where they wintered with many of their closest friends from home. Life was an adventure for her and Charlie, one that they were determined to live to the fullest with passion, joy and togetherness.

Madeline was a giving soul and spent many years as a member and president of the Lioness Club of Eliot. Together with Charlie, they participated in many social activities which usually included the donation of one of Madeline's incredible pies, pineapple upside-down cake, monkey bread or a classic pot of baked beans or scalloped potatoes. She was an incredible cook and baker, a gift and talent that she took great pride in sharing with her daughter and granddaughters who carry on her traditional recipes and cooking magic.

Madeline's children, Diana and son-in-law John Marzinzik of Eliot, and Michael and daughter-in-law Christine of Stratham, and a Brazilian exchange son, Rogerio Frossard of Rio de Janeiro, were the objects of her deepest joys. Her eight cherished grandchildren, Justin Strausser and his wife Marissa, Sean Strausser and his fiancé Megan, Mary Jo and Sara Marzinzik and her husband Brian Horn, and Brittany, Danielle, Brendan and Connor Welts of Stratham were a constant source of pride and dear to her heart. Nothing brought more happiness to Madeline like the joy of her grandchildren. The recent addition of two identical twin great-granddaughters, Fiona and Sienna brought great joy and smiles to her world. Madeline's extended family includes many nieces and nephews whom she remained close with and enjoyed throughout the years. Family was always Madeline's first priority and they are eternally grateful to have been blessed and forever touched by her spirit.

SERVICES: A private, family service will be held at the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home in Kittery. A committal service will follow at Orchard Grove Cemetery in Kittery. Arrangements are in care of J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home of 125 Old Post Rd., Kittery, www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com.

Should friends desire, Madeline's family asks that memorial contributions be sent to: Friends of Hyder Family Hospice House (FHFHH), 285 County Farm Rd., Dover, NH 03820 or donations can be made by credit card at www.friendsofhyderfamilyhospicehouse.org.