Mary Jean "Madge" Alf

Mary Jean “Madge” Alf (nee Greiwe) was born November 4, 1936 and passed away peacefully with family by her side August 3, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Madge was married 66 years to her beloved husband, Edward Francis Alf. She is survived by her children: Karen Rolfes (Michael), Edward F. Alf, III (Debbie Horton), Marianne Castrucci (Matt), Kathi Bagnoli (Sean), and Michael J. Alf (Jackie Jurgensen), all of Cincinnati, Ohio. She is also survived by her sisters, Conky Greiwe and Liz Beresford, and was preceded in death by her brothers, Richard and Robert Greiwe.

Madge is lovingly remembered by her 13 grandchildren: Brandon Rolfes, Chelsea Rolfes, Amanda Rolfes Grote (Drew), Chad Rolfes, Holyn Alf, Duke Alf, Marjorie Alf, Rowan Castrucci, Matthew Castrucci, Drew Bagnoli, Wilson Bagnoli, John Alf, and Jennifer Alf; as well as her great-grandchildren, William and Delaney Grote.

Madge married Ed in 1958. Best friends since grade school, they shared a deep and enduring devotion to one another, grounded in their faith, throughout their lives. Together, they raised five children and enjoyed a rich life filled with travel and time spent with family and friends. Deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, they found joy and peace in both the everyday moments and the special places they visited, including Harbor Springs, Ocean Reef, and Amelia Island.

Always on the move, Mom balanced raising five children, volunteering her time and talents, and still finding joy in her favorite hobbies—whether it was fitting in a round of golf, a tennis match, a long walk, or entertaining family and friends. She always made sure that Dad, herself, and all of us kids looked our best—pressed, polished, and perfectly presentable—no matter the occasion. She had a love for flowers and gardening, and her gardens were always immaculate—living reflections of her appreciation for color, beauty, and artistic endeavors. It wasn’t the awards that mattered to her; it was the joy of turning a simple bucket of flowers into something beautiful and uniquely her own. She was passionate about her philanthropic pursuits. As an active member of St. Gertrude Church and the Junior League of Cincinnati, she found meaningful ways to give back to the community. One of her accomplishments was co-chairing the Cincinnati Celebrates, a cookbook published by the Junior League of Cincinnati in 1974. She gave of herself freely, sharing her many gifts through countless organizations, always with a sense of purpose and a generous heart.

Visitation will be held on Monday August 18, 2025 at St. Gertrude Church, 6543 Miami Avenue, 45243, from 8:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. Memorial donations may be considered for St. Xavier High School in honor of the Edward and Mary Jean Alf Scholarship Fund, or St. Gertrude Church.

Condolences may be expressed at www.rohdefuneral.com.