Madeline M. Cicala

Daughter of Italian immigrants, Madeline witnessed tremendous changes in her long lifetime. Although born with a physical disability, she never let that slow her down or dampen her spirits. Fiercely independent, she graduated from Norwalk High, then worked for 43 years at the Valerie Transportation Company where she was praised by the owners for her boundless dedication.

But her main devotion was to St. Joseph's Parish where she brought her energies to the yearly raffle (selling tickets all over town), to organizing talent shows, and to The Children of Mary to whom she had great devotion. For years she would also be the first one at 7 am daily Mass, unlocking the doors for the other faithful. After Sunday Masses, she joined a group of friends who counted the donations. One of her favorite memories was of a trip to Italy with church members. She was awarded the St. Augustine Medal in 2005 by the Bishop for her many years of service.

She was a great friend to many and enjoyed the close friendship of a remarkable group of women. Friends for decades they played basketball, sang in the choir, went to Broadway shows, and celebrated every occasion together. One special friendship lasted for 84 years!

Always a welcome part of the family of her sister, Angie, and her four children, she enjoyed Sunday dinners, Christmas mornings, picnics, family vacations and insider jokes! Known to everyone for her joy in life, she was a great fan of gambling, the beach, and pizza. In her honor, two of her grandnieces have Madeline as their middle name.

After 94 years in Norwalk, her last two years were spent at an assisted living apartment in Maryland, close by one of her nieces. The other residents and the staff quickly recognized her spirit and welcomed her into their lives.

She once said that you should leave the world better than you found it and she herself was a perfect example of that adage.

Madeline never married and outlived all of her immediate family, but she is survived by many nieces and nephews, spanning three generations.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to EWTN, in honor of its foundress Mother Angelica, who Madeline greatly admired.

Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Ave, Norwalk, CT will hold a Visitation Hour from 9:30-10:30 on Friday, Nov. 14. It will be followed by an 11 am Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church, 85 South Main Street, Norwalk. Interment will be held at St. John Cemetery 223, Richards Avenue, Norwalk.