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BORN
1926
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
Madeline Chenez Obituary
Madeline Chenez wife of the late Desire Chenez entered into rest on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at Northgate Manor. Madeline was born In Philadelphia, PA on February 28, 1926. Daughter of the late Bernard and Mary (Enderle) Hunger.
Madeline was a teachers volunteer and a cafeteria worker at Barker Central Schools for thirty years. She received the Barker Central School Citizenship Award. Madeline raised thousands of dollars for Relay For Life at the school. She enjoyed theatre, music and being a season ticket holder of the Buffalo Bills.
Mother to Raymond (Gail) Chenez, Priscilla (Peter) Devereaux and the late Theresa Chenez. She was a devoted grandmother of Tamara (Dr. Dave) Hilmey, Dr. Raymond Chenez, Michael (Lisa) Devereaux, Danielle (Tim Stout) Devereaux, Thomas (Kristen) Devereaux and Angelle (Jason) Gregoire. Sister-in-law to Jean Sullivan and Betty Mae Chenez. Sister to the Late Bernard Hunger II. Also survived by 9 great grandchildren.
Family and friends may call at the Rutland-Corwin Funeral Home, Inc. 2670 Main St. Newfane, NY on Monday, January 24, 2022 from 2-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our lady of the Lake Parish, 1726 Quaker Rd, Barker, Ny 14012 on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of WNY, 4043 Maple Rd. Amherst, NY 14226, the SPCA or Our Lady of the Lake Parish, 1726 Quaker Rd. Barker, NY 14012.
Memories and Condolences
for Madeline Chenez
Linda Rosenthal
January 24, 2022
For The Family Of Madeline ,Sincerest Sympathy in the passing of your loved one. May God Bless and Comfort you all with His Love. Thoughts and Prayers on your dear loss .
Love,
Linda Rosenthal
Gasport
Diane Halkowich
January 23, 2022
What a joy to know Madeline and experience her love of life and love for people. She opened her home and her heart to children for generations! Madeline was best friends with my Mother, Rita Ray. I think they are sharing a cup of coffee in heaven! And hearing the words of our Lord “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
My heart goes out to all her family. May God comfort you in your loss. With love.
Joop and Mariëtte Bekius
January 23, 2022
Our sincere condoleances to you Priscilla, Pete and family. In our memory Madeline was the 'grandma' of Willemien and in that way for us too. We keep good memories of her, bright and very kind. Every year she sent us her best wishes for Christmas en the New Year. Always with a short story of her activities for Kindergarten of Barker High School. It will be a great loss for all of you.
May God bless you all and may Madeline rest in peace.
Joop and Mariëtte Bekius the Netherlands
Lynn Smith
January 23, 2022
RIP dearest Madeline. Will miss your hugs and kisses.
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John Hoar
January 22, 2022
Madeline was such a gift for so many but her kindness and thoughtfulness to me personally is something I carry with me to this day. For several years my wife and I took care of my mother in law and Madeline shared her experience, prayers and hope with me on a regular basis. Daily kisses were a given, but she could also tell when I might just need an extra hug, which she gave so freely. She truly was one in a million!
Sue Zinkievich
January 22, 2022
I am sadden to learn of Madelines passing. Where to begin, she was such a sweet lady always willing to help you. Her house at Christmas time was like a dream land. She always had parties so everyone could enjoy her decorations. I worked with Madeline in Kindergarten for a number of years. We always got our names put on the board for talking, the kids thought that was funny. We would laugh at the silly things we did. She would always call me "Little Miss Trouble". Madeline was always praying for people especially me. She knew I needed prayers. So many memories, to know her was to love her. Madeline you will be missed. You are a special Angel now. RIP beautiful lady.
Sarah
January 21, 2022
God bless Madeline... what a beautiful soul with a beautiful heart. Her hugs and kisses will be cherished memories for those of us who were lucky enough to know her and love her.
Wilma Fox-Teems
January 21, 2022
My condolences to you Priscilla and Pete and the rest of the family. Prayers to all. She was a great lady.
Sarah
January 21, 2022
God bless Madeline... what a beautiful soul with a beautiful heart. Her hugs and kisses will be cherished memories for those of us who were lucky enough to know her and love her.
Jamie
January 21, 2022
Madeline was a beautiful soul. Always smiling and sharing beautiful memories. We will miss her dearly.
Julie Obermiller
January 21, 2022
This was written in 2016, when Madeline was one of the US&J's "Unsung Heros." Madeline Chenez just turned ninety years of age and is still in school. The septuagenarian loves treading the halls of Pratt Elementary School in Barker, where she is a welcome fixture.
Perhaps it’s the memories of many years spent living in a Philadelphia orphanage, with 500 children starving for attention and affection, which are behind Madeline’s inexhaustible supply of love and patience. She moved to Barker in 1947 with husband Dick, and has lived in the same house for 69 years, with three children, six grandchildren and nine great grand-kids to visit. With children grown, Madeline went to work in the Barker School cafeteria as a lunch lady and served up smiles for 25 years. When her husband needed care for Alzheimer’s, she retired to care for him, but when he needed nursing home care, the energetic grandma found herself with too much time on her hands. Her daughter took her to visit the cafeteria ladies and a side visit to Principal Norm Kahler changed her world.
Kahler knew Madeline was going through a rough time and when she said she wanted to work with the children as a volunteer, he offered her transportation and a trial day. After coming home to an empty house and crying, she asked to return. First grade teacher Denise DeTullio was just back from maternity leave and welcomed an aide to help with the class, so Madeline gladly became the resident volunteer aide, five days a week for fifteen years. When DiTullio retired, Madeline moved on to a seven year stint with Kathleen Schmidt’s kindergarten class and then back to first grade with Sara Thibault. With reduced enrollment in grade one this year, Thibault moved to remedial math for several grades and Madeline moved with her.
“I love working with the children,” said Madeline. “I also make copies, help with mailings and do anything they need me to do. I love it and look forward to being with my Pratt family.” The self-confessed neat-freak loves to clean and organize.
“I'm overjoyed about Madeline being selected as an Unsung Hero,” said Thibault. “This is Madeline's 26th year of volunteering and she provides love and encouragement to all students. The bond that she has made with kids will warm your heart. Past students still stop by to see her to get a hug and a kiss and a "How are you doing today?" She believes that kids should have fun and be spoiled; often buying them treats at the cafeteria or a school store certificate. Madeline provides on-the-spot history lessons whenever needed. She is a reading partner to students, helps them with math facts and sight words and will help make corrections with them. She shows the kids that you are never too old to learn new things. Madeline is always curious and amazed about the activities happening in the classroom and this love for learning is infectious for the students,”
For one month each year, Madeline puts a price tag on those affectionate hugs and kisses. The “Kissing Granny” collects money for the Relay For life, in honor of daughter Terri, claimed by cancer at age 22. Since 2002, Madeline has raised over $33,000 for the American Cancer Society by inspiring students and staff with her passion.
After her 25th volunteer year, Pratt Elementary initiated the Madeline Chenez Community Service Award in her honor, encouraging others to get their name added to the award. The honoree passes the plaque in the main hall every day as she scurries to greet her kids. Pratt Principal John Hoar knows Madeline is a one-of-a-kind gem and says she is treasured by students and staff alike. Of her boisterous laugh and sunny outlook, Hoar said, “She has been a gift, pure and simple, and we are all richer for her caring.” (end)
Rest in Peace my friend. Madeline adopted" me when I came to Barker and St. Pat's Church. She was always ready with a loving hug and always remembered my birthday with a card. I loved her sweet, caring heart and sang her praises whenever I could...because she never wanted recognition. How those kids at school loved her!! We all did!
Tim Callaghan
January 21, 2022
Pete and Priscilla so sorry for your loss , what a wonderful lady . May she Rest In Peace. Condolences to your family at this difficult time.
Mike Devereaux
January 21, 2022
Grandma
There isn’t enough space to say what I want to say. It’s hard to believe that I’ll never have another grandma Chenez hug and kiss. Thank you for all you did for me and all of the life lessons you taught me. Hug Papa once for me
XXXX-OOOO. Your Mikey
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Rutland-Corwin Funeral Home, Inc. - Newfane2670 Main Street, Newfane, NY 14108
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Rutland-Corwin Funeral Home, Inc. - Newfane2670 Main Street, Newfane, NY 14108