Madeleine Tapp

Madeleine Helene Leah Tapp, 99, of Eustace, TX, passed away on February 6, 2025. She was born on November 29, 1925, to Joseph Felicien Bertrand Dutrey and Leah Caroline Coquelin in de Guernesey, United Kingdom. 

Born in de Guernesey, Madeleine moved to Dinard, France when she was young. There she attended Ecole St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated in July 1943. Madeleine continued to live in France during the German occupation, where she learned horticulture and worked as a nanny watching over children. When she was old enough, Madeleine followed in her father and her brother’s footsteps and joined the French military. 

In April 1946, Madeleine moved to the United States. On August 7, 1952, she married Marshall Landis Tapp, who also served in the U.S. military, and they moved around the States whenever he was transferred. Her husband was Killed in Action during Vietnam. Madeleine became a U.S. citizen on May 15,1956 while living on Chanute Air Force Base. She moved to Haiti where she would live for 17 years. While in Haiti, she sponsored the education of 5 different girls. 

In 1957 she showed her Karmann Ghia in Bordeaux, France where she took first place. She was a member of the National Skeet Shooting Association where she was known as having the perfect shot. In 1962 they held the Madeleine Tapp Open for the Top Shooters where she took first prize. Madeleine attended the University of Nebraska - Omaha in 1963. She served as a civilian volunteer interpreter on the USS Sanctuary, a naval hospital in 1977. Madeleine enjoyed golfing and bicycling, she was a member of a bowling league, and was an artist, using her skills to draw and paint. With her horticulture experience in France, Madeleine became an avid gardener. Throughout her life, she was an adventurer; from driving go-carts to racing trucks along with zip lining even into her 90’s. 

Madeleine loved her family and her most precious time was spent with them. From her home in the States, Madeleine would take care of her mother and would annually visit Leah Caroline in France to make sure she had everything she needed. Madeleine was a beloved Daughter, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Sister and she will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Madeleine is preceded in death by her parents, Felicien and Leah Dutrey; husband, Marshall Landis Tapp; and siblings, Alfred Dutrey, Georgette Julia Dutrey, and Felicien Henry Dutrey. 

Those left to cherish Madeleine’s memory are her daughters, Mary Helen Wyble and husband J.T., and Mary Jo Andrews; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; her sister, Monique de Francheski; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.