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Madeline Crivello Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Madeline Crivello
Caren Cummings
February 10, 2017
As the anniversary of her death approaches I still feel the emptiness from the loss of my best friend. I always thought we'd get old together.
I think of you all the time.
Love you.
Dan Schullman
January 11, 2012
Maria, Anthony, and family,
I had the pleasure to meet your mom in the fall of 2008 during some mindfulness training and therapeutic writing at a cancer support center in the Boston area. My wife was battling lung cancer at the time, though I remember that your mom objected to the term "battle" and preferred to see her own cancer as an unwelcome guest in her body. During our brief times together, she impressed me as a very warm and caring person, and I had hoped that she might be one of the lucky ones and succeed in turning these "visitors" away. I also was the recipient of some of her wonderful baked treats during the holidays that year. I am saddened to learn today of her premature death. My condolences, belated though they be, to you all, as well as my best wishes for your journey forward.
Sincerely, and with hugs...
Virginia Griswold
April 16, 2011
Maria and Anthony,
I have "written" a message to you dozens of times since I heard of your mother's passing. None have been "good" enough or deserving enough to express what an exceptional person your mother was. This one neither. But I wanted to write to you despite how inadequate is my ability to really express the loss we have all experienced, especially you two. I can't imagine how anyone can sum Madeline up or describe her well in just a few words. I loved my dear friend Madeline and each time we met or communicated I also felt a lot of admiration. We met when I was an intern at Malden Hospital and she was my senior resident in medicine. We both shared a few common interests: we were both going to go on the next year into Radiology and we both loved things Italian. I had just come back to the US after having gotten an MD in Rome. It was fate that I met Madeline at about the 3rd month I was in Boston. She was so warm and supportive of me and we ran a inpatient medical service together. She knew when to let me spread my wings and when I needed help. She was a natural teacher. We had a great collection of patient in Malden. There were a lot of Italians ex-pays and the community doctors planned their patients' admissions so that Madeline and I would be their inpatient doctors and that helped their families as well. We had mostly Italian-speaking rounds. Their families would bring us Italians pastries like Madeline liked to bake herself and vegetables from their gardens. Over the year we became the closest friends. I so admired her curiosity about her patients and her broad medical knowledge and her natural kindness at all times even when tired. She was so much "bigger" that this petite feminine open and embracing quick-intellect woman with a beautiful smile that so warmed any room in the hospital. She was the antithesis of the stereotype of a brusque, terse, business-like doctor. She took time with the patient and made them know that to her they were each important and their family members' concerns were also important. She was a natural doctor and more so a "healer". I was so proud to be associated with her. I learned so much from her. Her intellect was so quick, organized and inquisitive. Just being with her she modeled for me how I wanted to be as a doctor and mother, a person. She was modest and would never accept my admiration over all the years. She treated me as her peer and frankly I never could get over the compliment it was to be considered one of her friends. She became so surprisingly even more of a doctor after her mother's and her own experiences as a patient. She was the most organized and involved mother I knew. She wanted you both so much and she waited with so much excitement through her pregnancies anticipating the babies you would be and sharing her anticipation with all of us. She loved the both of you deeply in her very fiber and she tried to make your lives as full and enriching as she possibly could. I also admired her abilities to do as much as she did as a mother while still giving so much to her patients, residents and practice. She had amazing energy and there is no doubt she used every second of her day planning and thinking and triple-tasking. Again I admired her for all of these things. I think one of the best things I did in my life was to introduce another of my remarkable friends, Dr. Jane Clancy, to Madeline. It pleases me so much to hear about how close the two of them became and how supportive they were for each other. I do regret that I had to moved to San Francisco from Boston because I have always missed my dear close friends. But it was so enjoyable whenever I came to Boston for a visit to get together with them and my other close friend from our residency, Dr. Poppy Fine. We would all four go out and have a dinnerl together and talk for hours until the restaurant closed and it was like we were immediately back to our friendships in a few minutes. No one ever felt like a stranger to your mother. Once she befriended someone, she was a true friend for life. She had a fabulous mind, intuition, values and a deep soul and was one of the most extra-ordinary women I have ever known in so many ways that I don't know how to do justice to describe your mother to you from the standpoint of someone who was so lucky to be within her embrace as a friend. It is almost impossible to describe Madeline and to do it well. She loved her friends in a way that made them feel important. Family was so huge and integral to her and she treasured it. She always made much of what she did as a doctor look so easy that it put every patient and family member feel at ease and she approached the care of each of her patients as if they were family, too. She had a brilliant intellect and memory and had an exuberant love of life for each day. She had such a huge capacity for learning and loving. Cherish her memory because she was a rare person and in all her roles, she was magnificent. Someone once said that the really exceptional persons die younger because they live life more fully than others of us. That is about all that can explain why Madeline was given the extra years but was then taken so young. She handled even her last health troubles with her same grace as she lived her life. The unfairness to all of us of her passing cannot be consoled or reconciled. But we have to live with strong recollections of her because it is so unusual to have had someone of her substance and worth in our lives as an example for us and as a really important precious friend, mother, sister, colleague, source of belief in life's renewing goodness.
So Maria and Anthony, Live your lives like your mother taught you and would want you to live them: to the very fullest, with close friends and with her good values and morals, helping others and keeping her alive in your memories and hearts.
One of Madeline's many proud friends,
March 21, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Quite an impressive woman!
Best,
Karry Gebhardt Hill
Maura Stumpf
March 16, 2011
Dr. Crivello read my mammograms and was a source of support since 1997. She was as genuinely happy for me as I was each year as she delivered good news. I had no idea that she herself also struggled with breast cancer but this explains her very special gift to her patients -she was a highly competent woman who was also able to offer a very special sensitivity and support. I will miss her. My sympathy to her children and family.
Raymond and Jerilynn Crivello
March 15, 2011
We are sorry to hear of Madeline's death through a
good friend. We didn't personally know her, but we are also Crivello and we also have the San Filipo name and the same first names in our family. We live in Monterey, where 1/3 of our historic city are Italian from Sicily. Our family is from Isola della Femina, near Palarmo. We are sorry for your loss, Raymond and Jerilynn Crivello
claire willis
March 14, 2011
Dear Anthony and Maria
Your mother was in a group that I facilitated at The Wellness Community and then subsequently at Facing Cancer Together. She was an incredible source of inspiration to group members, humbly sharing tid bits of comfort with other group members. i will remember her for her generous spirit, her sense of humor, her humility and of course for her Christmas cookies that we were most fortunate to have tasted.
You both are in my heart and prayers as you navigate this time without her The world will miss her. She was a real gem of a person and an obvious beacon of light to so many folks.
claire willis
Francesca D'Acquisto
March 11, 2011
Cousin Lena was a remarkable female and an inspiration to me. I was always amazed by her determination and her intellect. Although we were the same age I always looked up to her and knew she was destined to do great things with her life. She has truly touched the lives of many. My sympathy goes out to her family. Francesca D'Acquisto
March 10, 2011
My memories of "Lena" are as a child. We were neighbors on Monrovia in Glendale, Wi. We always enjoyed spending time with her family. Her Dad introduced me to Cannoli's which I still enjoy. They were a very special family.
My sincerest sympathy to Joe, Frank and all of her family.
Dixie Martin Utter
Mary (Collura) Logue
March 10, 2011
Many of my fondest memories as a young child include Madeline. We were neighbors when we were kids. I lived on Booth Street and the Crivello's lived around the corner on Lloyd Street. I remember spending a lot of time in their home watching TV and "tasting" Mrs Crivello's homemade treats.
Madeline and I attended St Rita's grade school together until their family moved to Glendale after we completed the 5th grade. Unfortunately we lost touch with each other but I think of Madeline often when I reminisce about the "old days" and all the fun we had in Reservoir Park.
My heartfelt sympathy to her children
and brothers for your tremendous loss.
Peg Healy
March 9, 2011
I knew Dr. Crivello from Mount Auburn Hospital, knowing her to be a dedicated and talented physician, and a truly remarkable woman. How truly blessed are all whose lives she touched.
Bev Zibrak
March 8, 2011
Madeline was a wonderful mother, sister, niece, and, for me, friend. I remember many happy summer days with her and Anthony and Maria on the beach. Her talents ranged from the intellectual to the playful. And she brought her wonderful enthusiasm to everything she pursued. She will be truly missed by so many people.
Jean Allen
March 7, 2011
Dear Anthony and Maria,
May memories of your mom bring a smile to your face even as your heart is breaking. It was an honor to work with such a dedicated, compassionate and intelligent radiologist who was always quick to tell an Anthony and Marie "story". I was proud to call her a friend.
March 5, 2011
Madeline was a remarkable woman and physician. After her experience with breast cancer, she became a tireless crusader for better women's health care and counseled countless woman, and some men, facing the diagnosis of cancer. Her own long-term survival was an inspiration to many. Her love of her family and friends knew no bounds.
Dr. Carl Restivo M.D.
March 3, 2011
My deepest sympathy to Ed, Maria and Anthony. Lana and I remember our time spent together with many happy memories.
Frank, Darlene, Maria, & Kristina San Filippo
March 2, 2011
Lena (as Madeline was known to her family) was in every way our family's center. It was at her house and around her table we would gather for the holiday visits she hosted, the delicious meals and decadent desserts she prepared, and the many raucous nights of playing boardgames that followed. As those who knew her can attest, Lena was endlessly generous, tireless, caring, intelligent, fun-loving, and inspiring. Even in the face of her extensive health challenges, she acted with extraordinary strength, determination, and courage. Her family, friends, colleagues, and patients will miss her enormously, but we will continue to prosper from having known her.
Hearts remember all of the Good Times With Love
Wanda Ritchie
March 2, 2011
March 2, 2011
Although we did not know Madeline personally, she seems to have been an amazing person. Please know that our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies are with your entire family.
Michael and Terri Weidenbaum
March 2, 2011
Although we did not know Madeline personally, she seems to have been an amazing person. Please know that our heartfelt sympathies and prayers are with your entire family.
Michael and Terri Weidenbaum
Sarah Browne
March 2, 2011
Dear Crivellos,
I am writing on behalf of some of Madeline's Nicolet classmates -- who remember her so fondly and with such admiration. I started a thread on my Facebook page and there have been many expressions of sorrow for the great loss we personally feel as old friends and sorrow for what the world has lost. As you likely remember, our class was a well-educated and in many ways, a privileged one. So it has been interesting for me to follow the diverse paths my classmates have taken over the years. Certainly, there are countless examples of accomplishment and success. I live in San Francisco, where Mark Leno is my State Senator, for example. But Madeline, well, she always painstakingly paved her own path; she always more than earned every 'break' and she always gave back far more than a mere mortal could be expected. As a female, I am enormously grateful for what she has done for women. Only through the talents and generosity of medical professionals like Madeline will we see an end to this epidemic. I am so sorry also that I never dipped one of her legendary biscotti into my cafe. Sending love from me (Sarah Browne) and also old friends Sherry Younger, Ken Wilson, Patti Wangerin, Barb Luck.
Dr. Mark Robbins
March 1, 2011
I am deeply saddened to learn about Madeline's passing. She was a friend, an esteemed teacher, and guiding light in my pathway as a resident in Radiology at Mount Auburn Hospital. Her great humor, compassion, and love of life have inspired me throughout my career. She will always be in my fondest thoughts and prayers.
Dorothy Gill
February 28, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Crivello family. I was also blessed to have been treated by this wonderful lady. She treated me with compassion and dignity. May she rest in peace.
Laura Studen
February 28, 2011
This is an enormous loss for all those who knew and loved her, and for those who will now never have the chance.
February 27, 2011
I'm not even sure y ou will remember me, but I was your neighbor on Alberta Lane. I just lost my brother, Chuck this last Friday, so I know what you are all going through. I just wanted to send my condolences. I often thought of all of you and wondered how you were. Nancy Trautmann/Goode
February 27, 2011
I'm not even sure you will remember me, but I was your neighbor on Alberta Lane. I just lost my brother, Chuck this last Friday, so I know what you are all going through. I just wanted to send my condolences. I often thought of all of you and wondered how you were. Nancy Trautmann/Goode
Tracy Sperling
February 27, 2011
Madeline was a wonderful person. She had humor, style and perserverance. She was classic. I had the pleasure of knowing her for 19 years. She loved her family, helping people, and her work in that order. She encouraged everyone to be the best they could be, especially her children. Her smile lit up her whole face when she looked at them. As a busy Dr., she still made it home most everynight by 6 to cook and have dinner with her family. She was tireless. When her children were small she thought it was a waste of time to go out to eat without them. She was happiest having conversation, cooking and playing games with her family, Uncle, brothers, their wives and children, plus a few friends for good measure. She always went the extra mile for the people she cared for. She was a truly brilliant, organized woman who bravely battled cancer with dignity and grace. Dr. Crivello cared for so many people, but now there is an empty hollow space inside anyone who cared for Madeline.
Marla Notaro
February 27, 2011
I worked with Madeline for several years at MIT. A wonderful, kind person who will be missed tremendously. May she rest in peace.
Mary OReilly
February 27, 2011
To the Crivello Family:
I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am to hear of Dr. Crivello's passing. I have been going to MAH for many many years and she was the one several years ago who did not like the looks of my films and suggested I take it one step more. If it was not for her pushing me to do more I believe I would not be alive today. I truly believe with all my heart that she is a guardian angel above looking down on all the patients at the Hoffman Breast Center. I will miss her dearly as the truly wonderful and dedicated doctor she was.
kathy snyder
February 26, 2011
To the Crivello family--- I am so saddened by Madeline's passing. She was my Dr. at MAH for many years.I will miss her terribly and so will the staff at MAH . She was a caring Dr. and friend. RIP Madeline
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