Geraldine A. Madden

October 11, 1940 - August 02, 2024

Geraldine "Geri" Anne Madden, nee Felch, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 2nd, at the age of 83. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 51 years, Peter, her loving sons David and Mark (Jen), and her cherished grandsons Jackson and Oliver. Geri was predeceased by her parents Bill and Onie Felch, and her sister Gail.

Geri was a natural educator. Her teaching career began in 1962 with the Vancouver School Board and concluded 33 years later with the Burnaby School Board, during which time she taught every elementary school subject across 13 different schools. Ever the learner, she consistently sought to enhance her skills through night and summer classes, becoming a staunch advocate for the Carl Orff music program and higher education.

Music was Geri's lifelong passion. As a high school student, she earned her Toronto Conservatory ARTC designation in piano while simultaneously excelling in her grade 13 studies. Beyond music, she had a profound love for travel. At the age of 32, she took a leave from teaching to spend a year exploring Europe, including some harrowing experiences crossing borders in the tense Middle East. Later, she shared her love of travel with her family, journeying to various corners of the globe with Peter and their sons. She agreed, Don't let her near the map, she was horrible with directions, but you could put down your lonely planet guide, as she knew exactly what to see and do. Definitely the tour guide to have on your team.

Geri's greatest passion, however, was her family, particularly her grandsons Jack and Ollie. She also treasured her summers at the summer cottage she helped build on Keats Island, where she could watch whales, seals, seabirds, and breathtaking sunsets. August 1st long weekend was her favourite weekend, and perhaps meaningful as she choose that weekend to pass on. It meant that summer vacation started for the family, it was Mark's birthday, and she had 2 weeks to enjoy swimming, blackberry picking, her family and the cottage life of reading the hobbit to the family under the light of kerosene lamps while enjoying everyone being together. We spent part of that August 1st long weekend after she passed as a family at the cabin, so she could join us for a final meal and gin and tonic on the deck

Diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, Geri faced her illness with remarkable resilience. She was first diagnosed 35 years ago and endured multiple recurrences. This battle led her to explore alternative medicine, transforming the Madden household as she embraced organic and holistic practices and questioned some of the thinking behind mainstream medical thinking. Her son Mark, now a medical doctor, could only smile as she passionately critiqued big pharma, when there was something natural that could do the same thing. Despite her enduring strength and courage, her fourth bout with breast cancer proved insurmountable. Yet, even in her final year, she made memorable trips to Greece and on a 50th wedding anniversary cruise to Alaska, before her health rapidly declined.

Peter, David, Mark, and Jen extend their deepest gratitude to the Interventional Radiology nurses at Lions Gate Hospital for their exceptional care, and to the compassionate nurses and staff at the North Shore Hospice.

In accordance with Geri's wishes, a funeral service will be held at Deer Lake United Church. Date and time to be announced.