Madeleine Kirby Davenport Lorenzi

1936 - 2021

Madeleine Kirby Davenport Lorenzi
September 29, 1936 - August 22, 2021
Merced, California - Maddie was born Madeleine Marie Louise on September 29, 1936, in Lyon, France, to her parents, Paulette and Jean Mefret. Madeleine lived through WWII, including the German occupation of France. In 1956 Maddie moved to the United States and landed here in Merced County. She eventually became a citizen and loved her new country and its flag.
Most people are lucky to find one great love in their lifetime, but here in Merced she found three!
Madeleine was never able to have children, but when she met and married local businessman Tom Kirby, she was thrilled that Tom had three young grandchildren, Meg, Kelly and Ric. When both Tom's children passed away at young ages, Madeleine jumped right in to help raise her three grandchildren and remained very close to them until her death. Maddie and Tom loved traveling and and spending time at their cabin with their grandchildren. Maddie loved horses and riding, she spent several summers on trail rides in Yosemite with granddaughter Meg. Sadly, Tom would eventually face a tough battle with cancer, Maddie was there to nurse him through the difficult days, but she ultimately lost him. By this time, Madeleine had become a smart business woman. She was named Vice President at Kirby Manufacturing.
After some time Maddie started dating and eventually married Dub Davenport. Together they created a wonderful partnership, friendship and love story. The two traveled together and enjoyed trips to Hawaii with friends. They invested in real estate together. Another terrible blow came as Dub was diagnosed with cancer and Maddie ultimately lost a second love.
Madeleine supported many local causes, she was a past President of the Hospital Assistance League, the Merced County Historical Society, the Red Cross and the SPCA. Maddie loved animals and especially dogs and horses.
After two wonderful marriages, God graced Maddie with a third great love, Elmer Lorenzi – proving that French and Italian make a great pairing. They both welcomed and loved each other's families. They were both at a point in their lives where they could really go see the world. EJ and Maddie traveled together to Italy, France, Spain and Portugal, among many other places. In California they enjoyed trips to Sugar Pine, Sand Dollar Beach, and their home in Palm Dessert. They also invested in real estate together, neither ever really retiring.
Sadly in 2011, Madeleine was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, EJ was by her side for the next 10 years singing to her and making her smile.
Madeleine is survived by her husband E.J. 'Almo' Lorenzi, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her grandchildren Kelly Kirby, great grandsons James and Mark; Ric Kirby (Dana), great granddaughters Meredith and Morgan; great grandson Jeffrey Kammerer.
The family would like to especially thank Amie Marchini's Home Care, and Maddie's sweet caregivers JoAnn, Annabel and Elena; and Hinds Hospice of Merced.
On Saturday, Sept 25, a Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, located at 21st and Canal Streets. A reception will follow immediately at the Italo American Lodge, 1351 W 18th Street, Merced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hinds Hospice of Merced, and Merced Historical Society.