Madeleine Leveille

Dr. Madeleine Marie Leveille

January 25, 1950 - January 20, 2025

Dr. Madeleine Marie Leveille, beloved wife, sister, stepmother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend, passed away unexpectedly on January 20, 2025, while traveling in the Cape Verde Islands with her dearly loved husband, Dr. James Connolly. She was 74 years old.

Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Madeleine's life was marked by a dedication to family, education, and adventure. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Trinity College in Washington, D.C., and her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Ohio State University. Madeleine was a respected psychologist who had a lifelong devotion to teaching psychology, counseling in education and treating people in crises and those experiencing psychological difficulties.

After marrying James in 2011, Madeleine joined his practice in forensic psychology in Connecticut, specializing in child protection matters, providing psychological evaluations for the courts. In 2020, Madeleine embraced retirement with James, initially moving to New Mexico before settling in County Sligo, Ireland. Together they welcomed friends and family to their rural farmhouse, sharing the beauty of Ireland through daily excursions and adventurous outings. They shared a passion for travel adventures that took them to extraordinary destinations worldwide - unique trips that were their treasures and wonderful memories.

Beyond Madeleine's love of traveling was Madeleine's love of her family. She was a devoted and loving grandmother (Mémé) to stepdaughter Jennifer's son, Billy, and cherished aunt to five nieces, Meegan, Tess, Skylar, Tarikwa and Abeba. Her family will always treasure the memories of her celebrating family weddings, graduations and events near and far, along with travel adventures, including a recent exciting journey through Ireland and up to Finland with Billy and James. Madeleine was a loving daughter and sister who supported the family through the years with endless kindness and generosity.

Madeleine was predeceased by her parents, Albert Joseph Leveille and Yvonne Sylvestre Leveille, both of Providence, Rhode Island. She is survived by her husband, Dr. James Connolly (and stepson, Dr. Seamus Connolly and spouse, Jessica Connolly); her stepdaughter, Jennifer (Sills) Yoxall (and husband, William Yoxall); and her grandson, William Yoxall; her sister, Dr. Suzanne Leveille (spouse, Catherine MacAulay); her brothers, Dr. Albert Brooks (spouse, Laura Brooks, stepsons, Michael and Robert McHenry) and Dr. John Leveille; and nieces, Tarikwa Leveille, Abeba Leveille, Meegan Kimbrook, Tess Knightbrook and Skylar Grove, and numerous relatives and dear friends around this world.

Madeleine will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and loving spirit. Madeleine always loved a good story and had an infectious laugh. Her engaging presence brought warmth to all who knew her.

Madeleine was buried January 21, 2025, on Boa Vista island, Cape Verde, following a Catholic burial service at Igreja Santa Isabel (Church of Saint Isabel), Sal-Rei, Boa Vista, Cape Verde. Plans for a virtual (internet-based) celebration of Madeleine's life in the Springtime will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Madeleine's memory to her alma mater, Trinity Washington University (formerly Trinity College). Donations may be sent online at www.trinitydc.edu/give or by mailing a gift, in Memory of Madeleine Leveille, to: Trinity Washington University, Alumnae Office, Suite 380, 125 Michigan Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20017.