Madeline "Maddie" Kane

East Lyme - Madeline "Maddie" Kane, 66, of 269 Roxbury Road, formerly of Wiemes Court, Waterford, passed away suddenly on Monday, Sept. 5, 2011, at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital.

She was born Oct 30, 1944 in Yonkers, N.Y., the daughter of William and Alice M. (Schiffer) Tracey Sr.

Maddie graduated from Commerce High School in Yonkers. She served in the U.S. Navy from 1963-1965 and was honorably discharged. She married her first husband, Steven Arthur Whitehead of Warwick, R.I., and began her life as a mother to three wonderful boys (LMAO). Maddie worked for Brown & Sharpe in North Kingstown, R.I., and was extremely active in the Machinist Union. While employed there, she met and later married Joseph Michael Kane of Providence, R.I. She and her husband Joe, were then employed by Lens Crafters and traveled around the East Coast opening new stores. After moving to Florida, she was employed and retired as the central Florida membership representative for the Screen Actors Guild.

Once retired, Maddie and her husband Joe enjoyed traveling to many tattoo conventions receiving hours and hours of inked art on their bodies. Her tattoos told the stories of her life, and Maddie was not shy about showing her body art. She would light up a room with her presence and made new friends easily. She had recently moved back to Connecticut to be closer to family and friends. Maddie enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren. She was also very proud of her lifetime status as a member of Weight Watchers in Groton. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was predeceased by her husband of 24 years, Joseph Kane.

Maddie is survived by her three sons, Roger William Whitehead and his wife, Cath, of North Stonington, Steven Michael Whitehead and his wif, Tracy, of Waterford and their children, Steven Michael Whitehead Jr. and Patrick Ryan Whitehead, and Gregory Edward Whitehead and his wife, Jessica, of Crossville, Tenn. and their children, Samantha Gail Whitehead and Ashley Nicole Whitehead.

The family will receive family and friends for a gathering, "An Irish Wake" and celebration of her life, at 2 p.m. Friday at the home of her son, Steven Whitehead, 32 Wiemes Court, Waterford.

The Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London is assisting the family with the cremation arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.neilanfuneralhome.com