Madeleine Gelineau Lively

Madeleine Gelineau Lively, a cherished educator and beloved member of her community, passed away on September 24, 2025, at the age of 81.

Born on March 27, 1944, in Quebec City, Canada, Madeleine moved to Corsicana, Texas, as an infant. Her early life was shaped by the loss of her father when she was just six years old, after which her mother lovingly raised her and her three siblings. Entering first grade, Madeleine had to quickly learn to speak and understand English — before that, she spoke only French.

Life in those early years required determination and resourcefulness. Her family didn’t own a car until she was 18, so bicycles or borrowed rides were the norm. Madeleine began working in her early teens as a retail clerk to help support her family and even turned down an opportunity to be a cheerleader because the cost of the uniform was too steep. Those experiences shaped her humility, work ethic, and gratitude for life’s simple joys.

A straight-A honor student, Madeleine graduated proudly from Corsicana High School in 1962. She went on to attend North Texas State University, where she earned her B.A. and M.Ed., and completed all but her dissertation for her Ph.D. (ABD). It was during her college years that she met Glen Roy Lively of Athens, Texas — the love of her life. They married on January 30, 1965, beginning a marriage filled with laughter, deep respect, and devotion. As Madeleine often said, she couldn’t have married a better man. Glen was “a first-class guy” — loved by everyone who met him. Together they raised three children: Robert, Michael, and Allison.

Madeleine dedicated her professional life to teaching French and Spanish, inspiring countless students with her passion for language and culture. Over the years, she taught at Robert E. Lee High School and T.K. Gorman High School in Tyler, McLean Middle School in Fort Worth, and Arlington High School in Arlington. Her career culminated at Tarrant County College, where she served as Professor of French and Chair of the Department of World Languages. Ever forward-thinking, she embraced innovative teaching methods and authored textbooks that enriched the study of language and theory for generations of students.

Beyond her academic achievements, Madeleine was deeply admired for her warmth, empathy, and ability to truly listen. She was as good a listener as there ever was—always giving her full attention and thoughtful response to anyone who spoke with her. She adored being “Mimi” to her three grandchildren, and they adored her right back.

Madeleine was a fierce lover and supporter of the arts, and she had a deep appreciation for beauty and nature. Some of her happiest moments were spent riding alongside Glen in a golf cart, taking in the scenery of the manicured courses and enjoying the calm of the outdoors together.

After retiring, Madeleine and Glen made their home at White Bluff Resort in Whitney, Texas. There, she became an active and beloved member of the White Bluff Chapel, singing in the choir and contributing her time and energy to community life. Her leadership and service also extended to the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she served as Honorary Chapter Regent and Vice Regent of the Fort Graham Chapter.

Her devotion and care for Glen after his tragic accident — which left him paralyzed for years — was nothing short of extraordinary. Her steadfast love and strength during that time were an inspiration to all who knew her.

Madeleine is preceded in death by her father, Joseph Campbell Gelineau, Sr.; her mother, Marcelle Dion Gelineau; her sister, Francoise Gelineau; her husband, Glen Roy Lively; and her son-in-law, Patrick Sheldon Sullivan.

She is survived by her loving family: brother Joseph Campbell Gelineau, Jr. and wife Susan; brother Charles Arthur Gelineau and wife Suzanne; son Robert Allyn Lively and wife Linda; son Michael Joseph Lively and husband Jeff; daughter Allison Lively Sullivan; granddaughter Emmeline Sullivan Wallace and husband Noah; grandson Campbell Sheldon Sullivan; and grandson Patrick Beck Sullivan.

A memorial gathering will be held in her honor on October 10, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at White Bluff Chapel, 1072 White Bluff Drive, Whitney, Texas. Inurnment will follow at 11:30 a.m.

If you wish to send flowers, please contact Forget Me Not Flowers and Gifts, Whitney, Texas — (254) 694-5997.

Madeleine’s legacy of kindness, education, and love for her family and friends will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.