Madeleine Elizabeth Doerning

Today, Heaven gained a new angel.
With deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Madeleine Doerning on July 11, 2025, at the age of 95. Her life was a remarkable journey filled with love, adventure, generosity, and a tireless spirit of giving.
Madeleine was the devoted soulmate to Melvin and a proud and loving mother to seven sons. She was also a beloved mother-in-law to six daughters-in-law, treasured grandmother to 13 grandchildren, cherished great-grandmother to 7, and a loving sister, aunt, friend, and mentor to many. Her devotion to family was unmatched, and she celebrated 72 beautiful years of marriage with Mel-a testament to a love that was as enduring as it was inspiring.
Born in Iowa, Madeleine graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in English. Her love of learning and bold sense of adventure took her far-first to Lima, Peru, where she spent over a year teaching English and exploring the country. That experience sparked a lifelong passion for travel and global culture, and she often shared mementos from her adventures with her children and grandchildren-tokens of the world that helped inspire school projects, curiosity, and a love for exploration in younger generations.
Madeleine was a lifelong educator, working as an early childhood teacher at All Souls School for many years. She had a gift for sparking wonder and excitement in young minds, and she was deeply committed to helping children discover their passions and strengths. Her classroom was a place of warmth, creativity, and encouragement.
She was also an active and devoted member of her community. Madeleine assisted as a lector/ Eucharistic minister at church. She served on the Alhambra Library Board of Trustees for 16 years, helping to support literacy and access to learning in her community. As a docent at the Alhambra Historical Society, she shared her love of history and storytelling.
An active supporter of youth development, Madeleine was involved in Boy Scouting and never missed an opportunity to champion the interests and growth of children. She was a constant and loving presence at her kids' and grandkids' birthdays, graduations, concerts, plays, and sporting events-celebrating every milestone and achievement with genuine pride.
In her personal life, Madeleine had many passions. She was an avid card player and golfer, and an excellent baker who always had fresh cookies in the house-or ready to send home with you. Her home was a place of comfort, filled with the warmth of good food, laughter, and care.
A passionate animal lover and dedicated supporter of wildlife conservation, Madeleine had a deep respect for the natural world. She supported local and international zoos and conservation programs and passed on her love for animals to her children and grandchildren.
Madeleine lived her life with open arms and a heart full of love. Her warmth was magnetic, and her wisdom quiet but powerful. To know her was to be seen, loved, and uplifted. Whether as a teacher, friend, or family matriarch, she had a way of making everyone feel special.
Her life was a grand adventure, one she embraced fully-globe-trotting with joy, nurturing her family with care, and giving of herself without hesitation. She lived with deep purpose and extraordinary grace.
There are no words to fully express how special and irreplaceable she was to us. She will be forever honored, forever loved, and eternally missed.
As we reflect on her life, we know there will be many stories and photos to share, capturing the vibrant legacy of a woman who shaped so many lives simply by being who she was. But for now, we rest in the knowledge that she is in God's loving arms, reunited with loved ones, and watching over us with that same gentle strength she carried throughout her life.
Rest in peace, Mom. You were the heart of our family and the light in so many lives.
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If you would like to make a donation to the memory of Madeline, please consider:
The National Parks Foundation - https://www.nationalparks.org/
The Pasadena Humane Society - https://pasadenahumane.org/